El Gavilan Restaurant Menu

  • Lunch
  • Brunch
  • Appetizers
  • Salads
  • Antojitos Salvadore?os
  • Sopas
  • Nachos
  • Burritos
  • Chimichangas
  • Enchiladas
  • Quesadillas
  • Tacos Platters
  • El Gavilan Specialty Platters
  • El Gavilan Fajita Platters
  • Mixed Platters
  • Tex-Mex Platters

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Gavilan Restaurant

  • Lunch
  • Brunch
  • Appetizers
  • Salads
  • Antojitos Salvadore?os
  • Sopas
  • Nachos
  • Burritos
  • Chimichangas
  • Enchiladas
  • Quesadillas
  • Tacos Platters
  • El Gavilan Specialty Platters
  • El Gavilan Fajita Platters
  • Mixed Platters
  • Tex-Mex Platters
  • Cynthia C.

    We recently went into El Gavilan for the first time in years. Not that our previous experience was bad, it just wasn't remarkable. The music was ok, the food was ok, the parking was ok. But we gave it another try because we were in the mood for enchiladas. We decided to do take out (read above comment about ok music). But things have changed! The music was really good as we waited for our order. The new owner/manager, John, was friendly and attentive. He told us about special musical events coming up at the restaurant that we don't want to miss. The food was great! All the right sides, the right amount of cheese and great seasoning. The parking, well, that is still ok, can't do much to improve what's there...but the food and service and music were so much improved we're going to be back in a couple weeks, rather than a couple of years!

    (4)
  • Ni C.

    This place has been around since I was a teenager. I come here every so often when I am in the mood for a corn tamale and fajita. Their ceviche is also good. I really do enjoy their food but the wait staff is a hit or miss. They usually have some form of live music entertainment on the weekend. I have no complaints about their food except for the waiting time and sometimes their wait staff are not so friendly.

    (3)
  • Andrew T.

    Been here a few times now. The food is very tasty. I am a fan of getting a combination platter at most sit down Mexican restaurants I go to so of course I tried it here. Fantastic selections and perfectly cooked. The papusas are a delicious appetizer and could even be a meal in itself. Margaritas are great as well. The reason for the 3 stars is cause the service is often very slow. I've been in when it has been busy and when it has been nearly empty. Both times the service has been quite slow. Worth the wait but still slow.

    (3)
  • Tia G.

    Amazing pupusas and curtido. Great crab and shrimp chimichangas... average everything else...the service was meh.

    (3)
  • Dulcinia R.

    Ribeye is delicious and well marinated. Great Latin atmosphere with live Karaoke. Good drinks and awesome birthday surprises.

    (5)
  • Theo T.

    Any place that has "the best of" something in DC for me is a 5-star place in my book. For grilled fajitas, these guys far out-do the likes of Guapo's, Rosa Mexicano, and Uncle Julio's to name a few big name Tex-Mex chains in the area. For El Plato Gavilán (shrimp + steak and/or chicken) fajitas, expect to pay $17.75 which is pretty fair for the area. They also do live Latino music / karaoke on weekends which really adds to the ambience and feeling of authenticity. Great place to go for groups and celebrations!

    (5)
  • Denise D.

    El Gavilan Restaurant is a great place to eat. The food is mouth watering delicious and the Margarita's are to die for. You can take your date, friend or even your family. My family and I eat dinner there once a month. We've been going there for over 12 years. Yeah, the place can use a bit of sprucing up, but the food and service makes up for the appearance. My husband will be celebrating his 40th birthday party there this Saturday. We could have chosen someplace else, but we know what to expect at El Gavilan - great food and great service.

    (4)
  • Ana P.

    I absolutely LOVE this place!! Have been coming for 7 plus years now! I always get the mix Fajitas, if you want awesome fajitas, this is the spot! Get the mix fajitas with chicken, steak and shrimp! they don't skim on food and the steak is soo juicy! Better than Uncle Julio's or Guapos. The music adds to the vibe.. Love it. Wait staff is good but could use a little more training. That's the only reason why I'm giving them a 4 star and not 5.

    (4)
  • Kassie E.

    Good Service! This place is the prime example of welcoming all cultures. Just because your clientele and cuisine is focused on one culture doesnt mean you have to alienate others. And at this place I felt welcomed! Like I was visiting an El Salvadorian tourist trap (in a good way). The food was delicious. The wait time was acceptable and the food came out hot, fresh and ready! The waiter was courteous, communicated well and was very attentive. My Mango Colada was a little bit sour but that only means they used fresh mangoes that were prolly a lil underripe (its not really mango season). Love it!

    (4)
  • K J.

    Went here for the first time tonight. Got take out. Was great! Salsa is the best I've had in the area. Prompt and warm on a very cold night!

    (4)
  • Jim H.

    Great place! We live down the street and the food keeps us coming back. The yucca and chicharones and the platains are great appetizers. All the steaks are fantastic as well as the chicken. The flan was just okay but overall very friendly place with wonderful authentic food.

    (4)
  • Lindsay G.

    Split the platter that had shrimp, ribs, and fajitas that was supposed to be for two for three of us and it was still enough for some leftovers. The chicken fajitas were really delicious, especially with guacamole. The pico de gallo was nothing special. Service was a bit slow, but not really a problem. Will definitely be back for the fajitas and to try the pupusas.

    (4)
  • Michael R.

    Great place to visit for some authentic Salvadorian food. If you're looking for "American" Tex Mex, this isn't the place for you; their Tacos for example are solid with corn tortillas, meat, and a Salvadorian slaw, none of this cheese, lettuce, and tomato that you'll see in Taco Bell. When visiting here with my wife a few weeks back, it was a Sunday night, and it was pretty light crowd, quiet atmosphere, but still had a vibe of being a local neighborhood restaurant. We were promptly seated, and before we placed our order for drinks/appetizers, we were presented with chips/salsa, which is one of my benchmark criteria for "good" Latin American restaurants. The chips were thick and sturdy, not these thin obviously factory made chips, in a pretty spicy salsa. Our Food was all presented promptly, between our Pupusa appetizers to our entrees, and the plates were enormous, such that we both felt stuffed when we left with no time for dessert. Everything came out promptly, and was delivered with attentive, yet not overbearing service. One of my wife's only complaints was that they seemed to have the AC on full blast, and it wasn't too terribly hot of a day, so that plus cold drinks was a bit uncomfortable. Overall though, El Gavilan provides a great value in the quantity and quality of food for the price, and is a good neighborhood Latin American stop.

    (4)
  • cindy p.

    I think the food portions are too small and expensive. The place is too noisy with kids running all over the place. I think the food is better at El Golfo right up the street.

    (1)
  • Ethan L.

    As I was wandering around the area looking at what options there were, I saw the smokestack above the kitchen in this place belch. Suddenly the outside was filled with smell of grilled steak. If that didn't entice me to check it out nothing would. Very much similar to El Golfo down the street, really nice service and a bit more varied menu. The place also has a stage off to the side where they sometimes will have live music, so check ahead of time for this if you are not expecting it. Basic menu, carne asada, enchilladas, fajitas, and a real great corn tamale ecspecially. Sangria and basic margaritas but without real lime juice will be here served with honesty and sincerity.

    (4)
  • Sam C.

    Was invited here by friends... Ordered carne a la parrilla... To start we received chips and salsa... The chips didn't feel stale and the sauce was flavorful. I got my food and it was wonderful. Meat was tender,soft, and savory .. Rice was tasty and the beans were good. Overall a nice restaurant and pretty authentic..

    (5)
  • Phil D.

    This place is great! I've been a fan for years! The clientele has become more and more "gringo" over the last few years, but the food continues to be fresh and delicious. I'm a sucker for the platanos con crema y frijoles and the nachos el gavilan, but everything I've had here is good. I've always been able to eat my fill and then take some home for lunch the next day. The only downside is the live music; it tends to be overwhelming to any kind of normal conversation.

    (4)
  • Casey H.

    What a disappointment. Walking in the door, I immediately have to pause and make sure I am not in a daycare center. At 7:30 in the evening, I definitely did not expect to be assaulted by the sound of screaming children. But there they were, running around completely unchecked. Not a great start--but hey, a terrible atmosphere is worth dealing with for a great restaurant, right? The meal starts with chips--thick, bland chips accompanied by tasteless and cold salsa. This stuff could have just been poured out of a Tostitos jar. We order the steak Salvadorian style and the pork chops. Both were overcooked, to the point where the chops were covered in char. There were good flavors there, but they were lost to a terrible preparation. The prices are unjustifiably high. The food is neither good enough or in large enough quantities to justify $13 for a plate. To top it all off, the service was inattentive--we weren't checked on once during our meal and had to wave someone down for the bill. I was really hoping to find a latin food gem near home. Maybe there is one out there, but it isn't El Gavilan.

    (1)
  • Mary K.

    I came here with my partner and it was really good. I give it 3 1/2 stars, since it was a good deal. The waitress was nice and attentive. Would come here again.

    (3)
  • Roxsana S.

    This place has yummy food and margaritas. Great price too.

    (4)
  • Tosh G.

    I'm from Texas and I realize that many of these restaurants in the DMV do not have the Tex-Mex food I'm use to at home. However in my humble opinion the meal that I had last night was good. Last night was my first time visiting this place so I can only speak for one meal and the margaritas. When I walked in the hostess informed me of Taco Thursday, I picked the steak fajita taco platter. I think the price was $10.99 for the steak fajita taco platter but it would have been $7.99 if I got ground beef or shredded chicken. My platter came with three steak tacos, rice, beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. I also had a pork and cheese pupsa before my meal came and that was okay. This place has same good margaritas also. I live in downtown Silver Spring so I will probably give this place another try again since I enjoyed my meal last night. One more thing, I had great customer service last night also.

    (4)
  • Scott C.

    I have been here for lunch and dinner. Lunch was an amazing value. Me and my girlfriend feasted for 20 bux! I had the tortilla soup which comes with a taco and pico de gallo and guac. The guac could use a little work, but besides that it was perfect. My girlfriend got the tacos, and although she ordered beef and got chicken, she didn't care and enjoyed it thoroughly (were pretty easy but we know good food). Good service. We also got a couple of 2 dollar pupusas which were also yummy and came with the traditional slaw. The warm chips and house salsa that was on the table within minutes were a great start (no charge.) We also got christmas day takeout and REALLY feasted for $35 bux. Chichurron was dangerously delicious. I had enough leftovers for dinner the next day. Open late, and yes it can be very loud in there!

    (4)
  • Rob W.

    The food really deserves 5 stars. Especially the steak taco's del carbon!! The chicken quesadilla is pretty awesome as well. They have a real diverse menu with tex mex and traditional Salvadorian food. The Tostones are great. I wish they would add mofungo to their menu. I would stay away from the fried ice cream if you don't like coconut flakes. Coconut flakes and I just don't agree. The drink menu is pretty good. I would avoid the $5 house margarita though. It's a very shallow glass. Go for the bigger margaritas they are a little pricey but a better value. The building itself is a little outdated and the bad Spanish karaoke later in the weekend nights can be a little bothersome. For me and my wife it can be very funny. The owner is very friendly and seems to take time to get to know his guests. All in all it's a great neighborhood hang with great food!!

    (4)
  • Caitie K.

    Love this place - we were introduced by some of our El Salvadorian friends & we've now been eating there for well over a year! My faves are the pork/cheese papusas, and while I have enjoyed everything I have ordered, typically stick with fajitas. The servers do not speak or understand English that well, but they do a great job keeping tabs on your drinks, and if you need anything throughout your dining experience. I'm in agreement with Phil D., the music, while great, is overwhelming to ANY level of conversation. That would be one area of suggestion from me - keep the music, just quieter. I must say, El Gavilan is very consistent & authentic! Consistency is one of the things that I look for most in order for a restaurant to make it to my favorites list.

    (4)
  • Megan K.

    Huevos Rancheros...yum...Actually they're only on the lunch menu, the staff lets me order it whenever I want. The food here is very good and fresh; their chips and salsa are terrific, as are the plantains and beans. My boyfriend had a steak and thought it was pretty good. My friend (who is Salvadorena) loves the shrimp lunch special. The fajitas and seafood look really good, but I've never tried them. The margaritas are decent. I usually order huevos rancheros or piece together a meal from the side dish section, so my meals are usually pretty cheap. Regular dishes are more in the $8-15 range. On weekends they have a guy with a keyboard singing, which can be quite loud, but still fun. I've never had to wait for a table here, but it's always pretty busy and has been around for quite a while. Lots of neighborhood people come in for good food. The atmosphere isn't that great, but I prefer El Gavilan to Samantha's or El Golfo.

    (4)
  • Chris R.

    Best kept Tex-Mex secret in Silver Spring. Service was kind and food was great! Worth the trip.

    (4)
  • Wendy R.

    Food is delicious and generously portioned. I have frequented this establishment for years and seem to always arrive during the karaoke hour (perhaps it is every evening?). Music is quite loud, so if you are looking for a romantic evening, this would not be the place for you. I speak Spanish, so don't have trouble speaking to the waitstaff, but there is a definite seating segregation of the non-English and non-Spanish speakers. I was surprised the last time that I went that the food seemed pricier than it had been in the past - maybe the greater influx of "gringos" has something to do with it. Or perhaps it was the English menu that we were provided....

    (3)
  • Priscilla R.

    Wonderful grilled meats. You can smell how awesome it is going to be before you even go inside. Great deals on steak, rice, bean and salad (under $15). The lunch specials are great and cheap. You can order items a la carte for kids which is great. Their chile relleno is not as good as El Golfo, nor are their enchiladas, but who wants those anyway when the fajitas and steaks are so tasty. We love the live music on the weekends.

    (4)
  • Ric L.

    The Fajitas are generous and cheap. Try the shrimp brochette stuffed with hot pepper and wrapped in bacon. Service can be hard flag down after the food arrives, so be prepared to be a touch aggresive.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10
  • Mon : 11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Very Loud
    Good For Dancing : Yes
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

El Gavilan Restaurant

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