La Mexicana
16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877
La Mexicana Menu
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Address :
16143 Shady Grove Rd
Gaithersburg, MD, 20877 - Phone (301) 869-1500
- Website https://lamexicanaonline.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 12
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Tue, Wed, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Tina M.
If I could I would have given this place zero stars!!! This place sucks! The guy at the door told us to seat ourselves. And after almost 20 mins. no one came to give us menus or water....nothing! We eventually just got up and left!
(1)Antony R.
Decent bar, love their spicy salsa..good hospitality,good amount of TVs to watch your local sports..but if u going there to eat and have lunch and dinner, I wouldn't suggest it cuz the food quality is so cheap. The beans you can tell are canned, tortillas are the skinny ones you can get at the store, steak has no seasoning. I've tried my good share of Mexican food and this is no bueno.
(3)Jessica F.
A new Mexican place where jj's used to be. Kinda weird atmosphere because it still looks exactly the same. The crowd is the same, which can be good or bad. The food was delicious but the service was only fair.
(3)Natasha S.
It is one of the best restaurants in town! The service was excellent and they were always there to check up on me and my friends if we needed anything. The salsa is freshly made and very delicious which is hard to find anywhere. I had the chicken fajita platter and the chicken was very well seasoned and hot sizzling on a big skillet when brought out to you. I highly recommend this place to everyone and my friends and I will for sure be back here all the time!
(5)Dhiraj W.
FYI - Great place to go for Karaoke on Sunday and Wednesday Nights!! However, be warned. Some of the singers sound very talented.
(4)Michelle L.
Unfortunately we were very disappointed. We had beef enchiladas, chicken chimachanga & pork tamale. Like another reviewer said, the rice is very plain without seasoning (not like the spanish rice you usually see with mexican food). The entrees were very bland. The red sauce on the beef enchilada had no flavor & the tamale was very soggy. Their Germantown location has been in business over 20 yrs so either they need to get those cooks down to Gaithersburg to get this new location up to speed - or a lot of people must like their mexican food way blander than I do!
(1)Amber F.
I had my Baby Shower here this past weekend and the experience was nothing short of perfect! The food was amazing and very flavorful, all my guests enjoyed the spread very much! The staff was so attentive to myself and all 25 of my guests and the room they have for private events was cozy and comfortable for what we needed. I would strongly recommend planning your next event here whether it be a family gathering or a small business holiday party they will rock it out for you! Thanks Mr. Roy and Ash! Everything was perfect! :)
(5)Mark W.
Let me start by saying this is basically a bar. They cater to mostly drunk regulars. It would appear they put the food part last. Didn't they research and see JJ mulldons went under for this? Guess not. Now for the food, chips under cooked, shrimp burnt, couldn't get my order right twice. Steak was really low budget I couldn't chew it. There staff looks like there all young drug users. Do not bring your family here this is not good for children to see this. The so called owner came to our table to say sorry for our ordeal but sorry won't help what my family had to endure.
(1)Cristina H.
My husband and I were staying at the Comfort Inn in Gaithersburg this past weekend. An employee at the hotel recommended La Mexicana to us, saying it was a relaxing place with good food. Was she ever right! We were able to walk to the restaurant from the hotel, which ended up being a good thing because we split a pitcher of DELICIOUS margaritas and didn't have to worry about driving back. We went in and were seated right away. The chips and salsa (we went for the spicy) was really good. The salsa tasted so fresh! Once we ordered, the food seemed to come out fast and was really really good. I got the Texas Platter, which was a steak burrito, enchilada, rice and refried beans. So good! Although I couldn't pick up the burrito, it was so delicious. And piping hot!!! The husband got the chicken chimichanga platter and a chili releno and really liked both. He liked the charred taste of the grilled chicken. We both thought the beans were really good because they weren't dried out. The waitress couldn't have been sweeter. You could tell she was really busy, but we never felt rushed or ignored. The man I assume was the owner or manager asked us multiple times if we needed anything and made sure to say goodbye and thank you. We had fun watching the Bats game and the Caps game at the same time. Such a fun way to spend the evening! We are so glad this place was recommended to us!
(5)Tim J.
It's a trifecta a of terrible. After waiting longer than I should have for my drink order to be taken (at a mostly empty bar), I got my drink right away, asked for a menu, then she talked to her regulars for ten minutes before even coming back. The beer was cheap, but not as cold as you want with a cheap draft beer, and it truely had an off flavor. The mini chimichangas were most likely from a freezer case at a grocery store, and the promised chips and salsa were never even brought. I couldn't decide what I wanted for dinner, so went back to my old default- fajitas. They were half inedible. The steak looked juicy, but it was cut the wrong way, making it impossible to chew. The flavor of everything was lacking salt as well, which is so basic, but so important. I feel bad saying the service was terrible, but it was. Everyone who knew her, as they all used her name, or baby, or darlin got what appeared to be great service, and she was running back and forth to those white trash keno machines all the regulars play. To summarize- service, one star if I was really nice, beer one star, food one star. Epic fail, I will continue my seem arch for decent Mexican in the area.
(1)Sonia C.
This location is better than the Germantown restaurant/bar. Food was a lot better my favorite dish is build your burrito. And a must order is the Yuca! It's amazing and side sauce is beyond delicious. Bartenders like Tracy are really great and will be sad to not see her or have my yuca fries anymore. I have decided not to patronize this location because I'm not allowed to go to the Germantown location anymore because the bouncer who self proclaimed himself the "boss" runs out good paying people. Great business practices.
(2)Est D.
My experience:Hostess brief greeting Asked if I could order carry-out, she said yes, let me seat these 3 people. I waited several minutes. I went to the bar, asked the woman if I could order carry-out? She said yes, what did I want to order. Played it safe pupusa and chicken tamal. It took a 15 mins. The pupusa was just cheese and was stuck to the foil when I attempted to open it, it destroyed it into ripped pieces. It tasted like raw corn meal. I did not mention anything and my friend asked for some cheese, I said ok and he looked at me (with a confused look) and said tastes like raw cornmeal. I said I know, just wasn't sure if it was me. The red sauce is salsa ( ummm not what its suppose to be ever! its a tomato base not chunks of onions etc.) The tamal fell apart, but tasted good. Really disappointed because its suppose to represent Tex Mex and if they screw up the simple items then... I say no to any other items on the menu. I called the place immediately and spoke to the woman behind the bar of what I experienced. I wasn't looking for a $2 refund although I should have. She said ooooo I will tell the chef and conversation ended. I say no go with this place! Service: lower scale Food: lower scale Thats my 411 on this place.
(1)Ms Q.
This is my go to spot, I am here at least 4 times a month!!! Food is ALWAYS consistently good compared to the other tex mex establishments in the area. and the prices are reasonable!!! The decor and stuff may not be all that BUT hands down the best fajitas and tacos in the area!!! The staff is pretty cool too!!! Happy hour prices are awesome!!!
(4)Sweta G.
I went there for an office party, and was speechless on their amazing service.. They lost one star only because of their online website and location . i wish i could give them 4 and half star though. As it was an office party i wanted to pre-order our items , called their number in gaithersburg and the person who took our order was GREAT!! He was super clear with the menu and told us so many choices which were not very clear online..he made it very easy ..5 star for him!!.. Ambiance was nice they have this small room inside the restaurant and they reserved it for us. Food was fresh and very tasty.. so if you are waiting long for food .. trust me it's worth it.. again service was very very nice ..They kept refilling our drinks ..owner was also very nice she stopped by to introduce herself . I would def go again and would recommend this restaurant to everyone.
(4)F P.
Much better and cleaner than its predecessor, JJ Mulldoon's. Among other things, they have gotten rid if the sewage issues that plagued Mulldoon's. I believe that the menu is the same for both this location and Germantown. Great to see Roy's son again, and meet his wife. They will check with you periodically to make sure that everything's okay--without hovering. I was able to use a Yelp coupon. A few minor issues. Guacamole side could have been bigger than 2 T. Waitress rectified request for no sour cream. I am saving the corn tamale for a snack later today. I remember how delicious they were at the Germantown location! Just sweet enough to have as dessert. Karaoke this location Sundays and Wednesdays. Easy walk from AAA.
(4)C J.
I have only eaten here once. But it was really good the salmon tacos were very tasty and cooked just right. The marguerita was pretty good. The service I have no complaints. I highly recommend more people go.
(5)Jessica L.
Ok so I was excited to have a Mexican restaurant near by pretty much up until the minute I walked in. This place used to be JJ Muldoons btw. At the door the bartender said grab a seat anywhere you like. Well We couldn't because all the tables were dirty. Said bartender then asked for our drink order and we weren't sure as we had just sat down so asked for chips and salsa first. Bartender went back to the bar. After 10 minutes I waved my arms to get his attention and he said he'd be right with us once he was finished with his bar customers. He finally comes around and we order a water and a coke and CHIPS AND SALSA again since he never brought them the first time we asked. Told him we knew what we wanted but he said wait till he got back. Finally got chips and salsa and drinks. Placed our food order. 20 minutes later he came back and said no pupusas . Ok then why are they on the menu. Hmmmm. Ordered chicken fajitas instead. After another 20 minutes out came our food. Tacos were average, overloaded with lettuce and not much meat. The chicken fajitas were thin slices of dry flavorless chicken mixed with a TON of white onions and a few peppers strips. Tortillas were not hand made. The WORST of all was the minute rice they served as Spanish rice. It tasted like cardboard and that was the only seasoning to it. Minute rice cardboard box flavor and it was not even cooked through. Crunchy minute rice - not impressed nor was I with the canned refried beans. Nor was I impressed with how the bartender reached through the rails from the main floor to pass the coke refill to my table. why should I have to get up to get a soda passed through the railing as a paying customer? As we were leaving, another man came out from back and offered us more chips and salsa ( re-heated chips that were almost brown) and another dish of cold Pace Chunky Salsa or a strong resemblance to that brand. This man was very friendly and seemed to try to make things run smooth but seriously there should be a waiter or waitress for tables. We were the only customers eating with a few drinkers at the bar. Maybe they want their focus to be on generating a crowded bar but not all of us can drink alcohol at 4pm on a Tuesday. Some of us just want a nice early dinner. I won't be going back here unless I read reviews that the food is waaaay better including making Spanish rice and fresh refried beans which are very easy to make. And that service is better. If you decide to go, let me know if the food has improved because it is nice to have Mexican food around the corner. But Taco Bell makes a better taco and Spanish rice and beans than this place does. They haven't been open all too long so I hope they do improve. And I hope they add some Ambiance like Spanish music and a few sombreros too. Very disappointed.
(1)Jack W.
I like coming here for lunch. They have good lunch specials and if you are really hungry, build your own burrito. It is massive and for $10-$11, it is a good deal if you are a big eater aka fat!
(4)Jean M.
I loved this place. My fiancé and I accidentally stumbled upon this place on a rainy afternoon, and were so happy we did. The menu was expansive, and the food was delicious. We'll be coming back to try more items on the menu.
(5)Mariella B.
Came here today since it's near my job. It's the old JJ Muldoons and looks just like it inside. Also there is no official sign yet, just a banner hanging over the old J.J. Muldoons sign. I ordered my food to go, a shrimp taco for my co worker and a taco salad for myself. When I came in no one was at the stand and a couple staff just looked at me and kept on working. A man, I am assuming is the owner, helped me place my order. I didn't have to wait long about 5-10 minutes at the max. I asked the bartender if I could also get chips and salsa and she told the man I wanted chips and salsa so he said okay and walked away. As he did I see the bartender look up at him as he walks away and she says "Oh I was just told it cost extra for chips & salsa to go." Strange...why couldn't he just tell me that, why did he have to say it behind my back? I get back to the office and as I pour my taco salad out onto a plate a bug crawls off of a piece of lettuce (see pic). This is gross but doesn't give me the hibbie jibbies or anything. I called the restaurant and the same man I saw picks up the phone. I explain to him who I am and the situation. He then insists that it is "next to impossible because they do not have bugs there but would give me a new salad." I told him that it wasn't next to impossible and that I wasn't looking for my money back I just thought he should know that there was a bug in the to go box. I ended up eating the salad because well it's just a bug, it wasn't a roach. The food was decent but I take away all stars due to the professionalism the manager carried the conversation. It's a new restaurant and it's getting pretty warm out so it's pretty possible for a bug or a fly to get it, unless they keep all the doors shut tight. But seeing how quick the owner was to dismiss my call I can see this restaurant going down. You(I hope you are reading this) have to be able to take comments and not get sensitive or take it so personally.
(1)Kendall C.
Been a fan of El Mexicano (originally in Quince Orchard, then Travilah Square) which was a sister (brother?) restaurant to La Mexicana. Getting rid of El Mexicano and opening La Mexicana in the old JJ's location instead was a HUGE MISTAKE! I do understand the owner feeling like they needed to make a move, since it broke my heart to see how few patrons they had in Travilah despite the delicious food and very sweet employees. However, since the move to JJ's, the atmosphere and service aren't the same at all. It doesn't look or feel like a Mexican restaurant - no Mexican decor and there was country music playing which seemed very weird The waitresses there are just ok but my previous experiences with El Mexicano involved over-the-top customer service from people who clearly wanted to make sure you were satisfied with your meal. The absolute worst part...the food is not the same. At first, it seemed like all was ok since the menu and food were basically the same as before at El Mexicano. However, during my last two visits there I experienced sloppy cooking: overcooked chicken, a burned tostada, a burrito that just fell apart, and an overall lack of care in the food. I really hope the owners realize what's going on and that it's just getting worse. It seems like they are just trying to go with what the regulars like, which is not going to help their business. It's not too late! I'll revisit again if they don't end up closing, but not anytime soon.
(2)Devin C.
Went to this place for dinner with some friends because we were craving guacamole and hadn't been before. The first thing I noticed was that they didn't give us chips and salsa while we decided on our meals. The bartender was our server and he was quick to give us menus and take our drink and appetizer orders. We ordered chips with guacamole and a pitcher of margarita. The margarita was pretty much undrinkable. It was super sweet and sour with low, if any, alcohol content. Our chips were served on a plate with a small portion of guacamole. The guac was good and I'm pretty sure it was made in house. Two of us got chicken tacos and pupusas and our third got a vegetarian enchilada. Our food was so-so. Very American-tex-mex-esque. We should have gone to Taco Bell.
(2)Jarreau B.
Ok let me clear about this one..Yes there are better Mexican restaurants in the area. If you are in the mood for really good Mexican food this is not your place..However if your in the mood to have a few drinks watch some sports and grub down on some solid food this place is great...Dinner prices are cheap drinks are cheap TVs are big and you can get your Maryland Lotto fix! It's a fun place service is Awsome!
(4)Lisa B.
I am still going to give this establishment four stars because they have a good happy hour and food...BUT they have a revolving door on their bartenders. You never see the same one twice. One of them told me none of them are scheduled for more than two shifts a week.
(4)Melissa S.
Friendly atmosphere, local crowd. Large menu, good variety. Had a build your own burrito bowl with seasoned tofu that surpassed my expectations. Had been here before for happy hour which was fun and has some good specials. This is a great spot when you crave Mexican.
(5)Mary Ann T.
This was just OK. When we asked what was recommended we were told, the pork chops and the Tilapia. Huh? This is a Mexican restaurant right?! I tried the "build your own burrito" in a "bowl". Got the wrong chicken and the "bowl" was a stale taco shell bowl, Chipotle has better burrito bowls! My partner tried the pork chops, they were huge, but a bit over cooked. The drinks, Sangria and a Margarita, were OK. The staff was friendly, but the food is mediocre at best.
(2)Sean P.
Super slow service. There were 2 people working in the whole place on a Sunday after church. We had to ask for chips and salsa twice... At a Mexican place it should pretty much be on the table when you sit down. There are no Mexican beers on tap, so again it's not a real Mexican place without unlimited chips and salsa and Dos Equis on tap! The food was good when it finally arrived... But not good enough to make up for the other shortcomings. Will be looking for another place to satisfy the Mexican cravings when they come.
(1)Mike M.
First visit today, impressed with the food, which was quite good, and the service, which was attentive and friendly. They literally opened with a banner hung under the former owner's sign which is still there. No interior updates yet, pretty odd. We ordered off the special menu which had maybe 5-6 options at reasonable prices. The regular menu looked a bit higher. I'd like to see them have a lunch menu with smaller portions around say $5.00 - 7.00. We asked for black beans with both meals and got refried with both meals so a little bobble there. Otherwise the food is outstanding. They also bring out chips and salsa when you are seated. The chips were nice, thin, and crisp. They brought a sweet salsa which was very good and asked if we'd like to have the spicy as well which we did. Let me tell you, the spicy salsa is HOT. I mixed them a bit and that was very good and tempered the heat just enough. I think that once they get themselves organized, decorate the place, and get through the new-restaurant jitters, they'll be really good and I look forward to adding a star or two on a future review.
(3)Tyler W.
After a long day of driving, my family and I stopped by La Mexicana after we checked into a nearby motel, after the front desk guy recommended it. When we arrived, the ambiance was a little confusing...to the left, families were dining at tables, and to the right was an open bar area with several patrons of its own who were pretty rowdy. There was a blues band setting up in the stage area, and it seemed as though some of the crowd was with them. Our hostess seated us quickly and dropped off menus and chips and salsa (salsa: super tasty, chips: probably from a bag), and we were surprised when she returned to take our drink orders and in fact continued waiting on us for the rest of our meal. When we had questions about the menu, the waitress was clearly unfamiliar with the dishes. She rushed through our orders and came back with clarifying questions several times (once to check my ID about 10 minutes after I'd placed my drink order). It definitely seemed that she wasn't usually waiting tables, maybe just filling in because of the crowd. I ordered a house margarita and enchiladas verdes. For the weird beginning, I was surprised by how good the food was! The verde sauce was amazing and really fresh-tasting. Even the rice and refried beans were tasty and well-flavored. The chicken in my sister's quesadilla was delicious, and I was seriously jealous of my stepdads tamale (even though they brought a corn tamale when he ordered pork). Everyone was satisfied with food, and portions were good for the price. Margs were just okay- made with a sweet, generic mix. We waited almost 20 minutes for the check after we'd already had to ask for it, which ended the meal on a disappointing note. Bottom line: food was good, service sucked.
(3)Chris C.
Went with an associate for the first time today at lunch. We were greeted enthusiastically and seated immediately. Drinks came right away as did some excellent chips and a spicy (by our choice) salsa that tasted very good and fresh. We ordered two of the lunch specials Chicken Fajitas and the Taco and Enchilada combo both came with rice and choice of beans. Fajitas were good. Taco was good, Enchilada was decent. Great service, good food will definitely be back.
(4)Tom C.
Just had lunch here today with my wife and son. The food was excellent and the value exceptional. They have four or five lunch specials that are priced at $7.95. The meals come with chips and either mild or spicy salsa (or both). The chips and salsa were superb, and the hot sauce has a wonderful bite to it. We each had a different luncheon special and the meal portions were very generous and the quality of the food was excellent. Their side salad contains some chopped jalapeño so beware if you don't like the occasional burning bite. The tilapia was well prepared and large, the burrito was excellent and large, and the fajita was extremely large and tasty. One disappointment was the steak in the fajita ($2 extra charge over the standard chicken) which had a good taste but was a bit tough. This restaurant is just getting started, having opened only three weeks before in what was for many years J. J. Muldoon's in a small shopping center along Shady Grove Road near 355. They use all natural and local sources for their ingredients. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating, maybe because we were there somewhat after the normal lunch hour. All in all this was a wonderful discovery and we will definitely return.
(5)Alejandra T.
This place is awesome great for group parties. The bartenders are always smiling and the waitresses are always happy to help. Their desserts are definitely my favorite especially their chimi changa sundae. It's a great place for kids or a date. They do karaoke and have bands almost every other week.
(5)marky m.
Insanely cheap happy hour & gameday food & drink specials. They also give you free freshly made chips & salsa which are delicious. They have a create your own burrito special which comes out being the size of a baby for only $8-9! They also have some crazy good wings which they marinate before cooking (my first time ever having wings done so perfectly the meat was practically falling off the bones!) try them with the Yuka sauce its green and tasty enough to pour over anything!
(4)Joshua B.
Excellent food! My margarita was a bit too strong but for most people thats not a bad thing. Great service!
(5)Jonathan M.
Hardcore rock playing. More vodkas than tequilas. No Mexican beers on draft. Got my order wrong and their was only 4 people in the place.
(1)L W.
Good food, atmosphere, price and hot and fresh chips!!! I've been going to this location when it was JJ's I'm glad the smell is gone. I miss my old friends but making new ones is part of life. La Mex does't disappoint!!! The outdoor seating area has made even a better... 4-stars.. 5-stars when the Wifi gets up and running.. .
(4)Gary W.
Not sure how much I enjoyed being charged five dollars for a terrible band especially after eating microwaved food with terrible service. Aren't they supposed to let you know about a cover charge for bands rather than just add to check without your knowledge. Not sure why I keep torturing myself here. Was hoping things had changed for the better. Definitely not
(1)Paul E.
Came in for lunch last Tues with a business associate for lunch. We sat at bar which was completely full. Bartender was friendly and attentive. Food came out quickly and was mediocre. Probably microwaved. All in all not bad experience. Decided to try again following week again on tues. Same friendly bartender. Seemed to have quite the knack for bringing customers in because once again quite busy. Very friendly and efficient. The mistake was to come back the following evening. Different bartender different attitude. Couldn't get a drink and there wasn't even half the people there as lunch. She seemed quite annoyed we were even there. To top it off a gentleman at the bar was quite open about having illegal drugs on him as I heard him several times asking people if they'd like some. Funny part is I heard he was the very unhappy bartenders boyfriend. All in all my advice is daytime seems safe and pleasant. Nighttime a little sketchy. Maybe sit in restaurant area. I'll give two stars though for lunch specials and daytime staff.
(2)Erica P.
i ordered combo chicken, steak, and shrimp. chicken and steak okay not enough flavor. shrimp big and good. The wait wasn't long but it took a waiter 15 min to ask husband and I what we wanted to drink after two waiters walked past us multiple times. Food not bad but not good enough to return.
(3)