Tipicos Gloria Restaurant
482 Elden St, Herndon, VA, 20170
Tipicos Gloria Restaurant Menu
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Address :
482 Elden St
Herndon, VA, 20170 - Phone (703) 437-7950
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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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Jessica S.
With the closing of El Dorado (when did this even happen?!), I was craving papusas in a major way. A friend of mine had recommended Tipicos Gloria a while back but I had been skeptical. Well I finally took that plunge and tried it out. Don't be put off by the hole in the wall feel of Tipicos (I admit, I was at first too). What it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in deliciousness. Even though language can sometimes be a barrier, the menu is numbered and has photos. You can generally just point to things as needed. The place is small and only has a few tables. Definitely don't show up with a crowd unless you plan on getting your food to go. Don't worry, all to-go orders are expertly packed and travel well if you are in a 10 minute radius. Their bean and cheese papusas are fantastic. Seriously. Inside each one is the perfect ratio of refried beans to ooey gooey cheese. The outer tortilla is soft yet slightly crispy. I almost always order two. It is served with a small side of cabbage slaw that has a little tang. My other favs include the steak tacos and the nachos. The avocado is always fresh. Overall the servings are generous and the prices are low. Order a papusa and you won't be disappointed.
(4)JJ H.
Confession time: I'm probably the poster boy for the clueless gringo. I honestly have no true idea what I actually ate here...I did a lot of pointing and incoherent mumbling, the nice ladies behind the counter did a lot of giggling and I did a lot of eating. Every last bite was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to go back. Friendly, fast, delicious, and inexpensive. What's not to love?!
(4)Jessica I.
I almost licked my plate it was so good. Definitely overate and had to unbutton my jeans but it was worth it. I had a beef stew type of thing - wish i could remember the name - and it was so scrumptious! Beef was tender and very flavorful. The rice was superb. I was expecting something that resemble watered down minute microwave rice which is usually what you get at tex-mex and other latin restaurants. This was not the case here. It was real, and oh so good! I can't wait to go back here and try other things. I will make sure to write down what I had so I can be more specific and update the review. Go eat here.
(5)Krissy C.
Absolutely love this place! Been there 3 times this week. 2 were walk in and once I decided to try and call in a pick up. A woman answered who didn't speak any English so she quickly handed the phone over. I placed my order without a hitch. The ladies working are always so nice and the food is excellent!
(5)Lyn P.
This place was a little hit and miss but they make everything from scratch here so I'm willing to forgive some of the misses. The hits: pupusas, empanadas and tamales. The pupusas are made to order so they are super fresh and they are very generous with the fillings. The tamales are also huge (more like burrito size) and are filled nicely. The empanadas are fried - the filling was very flavorful and they weren't greasy. The misses: carne asada (in torta form when we tried) was just okay, carnitas tacos, the same. You may have some trouble communicating with the staff if you don't know Spanish - I think their English is pretty limited. Overall, worth a try, especially for my hit list.
(3)Tabitha B.
So... My husband says to me "I'd really like some authentic Mexican food..." So... I say to yelp "Authentic Mexican Food"... Yelp points me in the direction of Gloria's... Thank you Yelp! ...Making our outings fabulous yet again! We had a great experience, we were prepared to be a bit confused as we do not speak Spanish- but the numbered and photographic menu made it simple. We tried the pupusas per the reviews and we not disappointed- yum! Who knew something so simple could be so delicious?! I had the bean and cheese, my husband had the pork- both were delicious! I had the chicken tacos & they were my favorite chicken tacos to date- plenty of cilantro, fresh avocado, a lime on the side- perfection. My husband had the #23, a beef and rice dish that came out looking very fresh and wonderful, he was happy with his choice as well. We ate in the restaurant and received great table service. We left happy and full, knowing we will be returning soon and often. 4 stars well earned, would be a 5 star situation if only a cerveza would have been involved- but no booze on the menu here, still I'm smitten.
(4)Mike M.
I can't believe I haven't left a review here. This was my go to place when I was working in Reston. Papusas Revueltas!!! I miss them so badly. Not enough people know about how delicious papusas are or their would be lines out the door.
(5)Nathaniel P.
Best taqueria style true Mexican food in there area (which says a lot as there are good choices near by). No alcohol but good traditional. "Authentic" definitely fits here. Come for the tacos -- but order a Papusa.
(5)O T.
Yummy. Hole in the wall. 5-6 tables. Menu with pictures for those who dont speak Spanish.
(4)Wonjin C.
OH. MY. GOSH. Got the tongue and mixed meat (pork,beef,chicken and tongue) and my word it was delicious. They give you a pico de gallo, a green type sauce (please forgive my ignorance, I dont know what its called) on the side and of course lime. The tacos come with onions, cilantro and small slice of avocado. I was so pleased with my tacos! They give you a substantial amount of meat (I was full off of two but then again I am not a big eater) and of course it come standard with two corn tortillas! I read that the pupusa was to die for so I got the pork and chicken with cheese as well. This is a cheese lovers heaven (lactose intolerant people beware)! They are made to order so they come hot off the stove so the cheese just stretches wonderfully as you rip off your first piece! The tortilla is just so soft and melts in your mouth with the cheese and meat of choice (pork or chicken) It definitely gives off the hole in the wall vibe, and I think I read a review where someone said that it seems like the restaurant was started by women who really wanted to share their country's food with the Herndon area - I agree 100% with this statement! I feared they wouldn't speak english but they speak it just fine! Will go back many many many times (:
(5)Karina V.
The food is absolutely delicious, one of my favorite spots in Herndon. As previous reviews have said, this is authentic Latin food and a great price. The carne asada is great, the pupusas are made from scratch and each order is fresh. A great place for lunch or dinner.
(4)John M.
This is a great little hole in the wall in a shopping center. As others have stated there is not a lot of room to sit but if you can it is worth waiting a bit. I ordered take out, beef enchiladas. You know it is going to be good as soon as you walk in, the aromas are wonderful and you can see the women back there in the small kitchen preparing things as they are ordered. The enchilada meat is not the usual ground beef but cubed beef well seasoned. It is wrapped into a very nice corn tortilla over rice with a small salad and beans. It was all very well done and tasted fantastic. In fact everything I have had there is just great and I highly recommend it. Don't be put off by the way the place looks.
(4)David B.
Food was good. I got the tacos. Pork, chicken and the tongue. It was the first time I have had tongue and it was pretty good. Prices are a little high compared to other places I have been but I def would go back again.
(4)Joel M.
I have been there many times, and everything I have had has tasted fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The counter person has always been very polite with a warm smile. I often get the baliadas and the Mexican torta. The steak is good, too. This is hearty fare.
(5)Jelly N.
I was craving tacos and decided to try this place. It was very good unpretentious food. I love the lengua and the beef tacos. Ill come back again.
(5)Suzanne F.
How am I just now finding this place?!?!? Tortillas 5 stars, carnitas 5 stars, carne asada 5 stars, beans 5 stars. Those are the items I judge a place on and this place is by far the best Mexican food I've had on the east coast. Very small inside but authentic and I'm very pleased.
(5)Jared H.
If you don't have time to fly to Mexico for lunch, go here. Tacos de carne y tacos de pollo are my favorites.
(5)Mike R.
Just got back from lunch here and i was impressed! I had, for lack of the latin term for it, grilled chicken and vegetables. Pollo! Like previous reviewers said, everything is in Spanish, but at the same time I had no problem deciphering the menu as everything had pictures, numbers, and prices clearly marked. Contrary to some of the reviews, I found the staff to be quite friendly. Maybe that was because I was all smiles coming in and ordered by number and assuredly butchered the prunounciation of the menu item.... but at least I tried. I should have taken a picture, because my plate was a sight. Two *large* thinly sliced pieces of white chicken meat, grilled perfectly and seasoned well. Covering them was a generous amount of slivered onions and peppers and tomoatoes that were also cooked wonderfully. There was also a reasonable size slice of avocado (can never have TOO much avocado) and a couple lime wedges and a weak why bother pile of iceburg lettuce. But wait, theres more! There was a bed of yummy rice next to a sea of refried beany goodness; the good, liquidy type of refried beans which taste so good it makes me scared to think of whats in them............ if all that food wasn't enough for you, it also came with a basket containing a couple pieces of those thick hot and fresh tortillas typical of latin american eateries. It was all so good i was able to get it all down except for *one* of the tortillas. I will definitely be coming back -- and if the food is any better its going 5 stars! The two coworkers both got enchiladas and both said they were very good! I can't comment too much else on those, but they both agreed it was better than the food at that other "tex mex joint across the street that makes awesome breakfast burritos but I wont say their name because I don't want to offend Anita......" whoops! All things considered, I was almost afraid to post this review because e'rybody is gonna be all up in Tipicos now and I won't be able to find a seat. But sharing is caring so go grab yourself a chair and get yo' pollo on!
(4)Jackie B.
This place is a gem! We found it through other yelp reviews and now go here at least once a week. The tacos are incredible and the enchiladas are very good too. Reasonably priced, very relaxed place.
(5)David Y.
I miss this place. I used to frequent this hole in the wall when I worked in the area. Amazing Salvadoran food. Awesome tacos, I would stab you for a Pupusas. The salsas could be better but the food is so good that you tend not to care. They don't speak English fluently so don't go in there asking for a bunch of stupid shit related to your gluten allergy. Steak tacos and pork pupusas.
(4)Lee N.
Great food at a great price
(4)Gene K.
Didn't know about this place but ran in there for a quick lunch. I didnt have much time and so i had a basic carne asada torta but even that was great. Can't wait to go back and try a few of their more authentic dishes.
(5)Erin P.
Tipicos Dona Gloria is the epitome of hole in the wall heaven. We discovered this restaurant from yelp reviews and it's just another reason why yelp has changed our lives for the better. Our first visit we were slightly intimidated. The place is very small, has shabby decor, and did not appear to cater to English-speaking clientele. We've never let being sore thumbs stop us before so we smiled and pointed our way through our first order. During busy times you might have to wait for a table, there are only five, or grab your food to go. Believe me- it's worth it! I've seen some families head straight for a table and wait for service, but we normally order at the counter before seating ourselves. Out of respect I try to learn how to properly pronounce international items on menus, but they also make it easy by providing numbers and pictures for most of their offerings. There is also a very nice waitress here that knows some English and has helped us figure out what we want to try from new selections. Most of their food is El Salvadorian, but there is emphasis from other countries in their fare. Some of my favorite items are their chicken tamales (!!!), soft-corn tacos (my husband went out of his comfort zone and tried the beef tongue a couple years ago, now it's one of his favorite selections), and their pupusas are some of the best I've ever had at a restaurant. They're generous with their food, a burrito or chimichanga could feed you for days. The prices for quality and quantity are extremely affordable. Even the outdated, dive-like decor has really grown on me. A couple of our friends said it reminded them of a few restaurants they'd seen in El Salvador. This place has personality AND phenomenal food to boot. Push a bit beyond your comfort zone and try one of the best places you've been taking for granted.
(5)Shelly P.
I went to this restaurant as a stop from our bus tour in May 2014. The food is fantastic. I have never had Spanish food so memorable. Good serving size I was full but couldn't stop eating. I will visit again
(4)Brandon R.
I enjoy visiting a place where I feel more like I walked into someone's kitchen rather than a business. Gloria's feels precisely like a kitchen of a few women who decided they wanted to offer their culture's food and hospitality for the neighborhood. I found it warm, inviting, and the food was really good. On our first visit we ordered several things just to get a few small bites of the food. A few bites into the chimichanga, bean and cheese papusa, and a few lingua and carnitas tacos, that strategy was abandoned. In the end, we both had to be rolled out since we finished taking down almost all of the food as it was that good. We couldn't get enough. We'll be back for more.
(3)Wesley V.
Great when compared to your standard everyday Mexican place. These guys make everything to order and tortilla by hand.
(4)MARIA G.
Chimichanga and Carne Asada was just okay. Portions were big but the service wasn't fantastic. I guess I was hoping for better.
(3)David K.
I had the beef / chicken tacos and a meat and cheese Papusa and it was very good. The place is small and understated but the food is tasty and the service is fast. Stop in, you won't be disappointed.
(4)May S.
After sitting in my car for a good 10 minutes getting the courage to walk into this place by myself, I walked in to find 4 people behind the counter just staring at me. One woman looked at me and mumbled under her breath as I stood there and read the menu. Perhaps I don't look like I would speak semi-fluent Spanish, but I do, and when I began to place my to go order in Spanish (without even thinking about it, actually,) I was asked to order in English. Sure, fine, whatever... Maybe they were having trouble understanding my dialect, but they should at least understand I was just trying to be polite. I continued to place my to-go order of three pupusas, and two pork tacos. While waiting for my order, two men sat at a table across the room and deliberately stared at me. I did the whole "I know you're staring at me so I'm going to smile and see if you realize you're creeping me out" thing, but they didn't break stare until 6-7 minutes later when I grabbed my bag and left. Upon exiting, I heard uproarious laughter. Now, I don't know if I am just being self conscious, or had something in my teeth...however I will never be coming here alone again. The food though. Dang it, it is just delicious and they packaged it perfectly for transit. The cheese in the pupusas was still gooey when I got home, about 15 minutes later. The avocado on my tacos was overripe, but I just covered up the dirt taste with fresh limes they included in my little bundle. The cabbage for the pupusas was just okay. Something tasted a bit off, maybe not enough vinegar, but still a great addition to my meal.
(4)Roxana A.
Hole in the wall indeed, but very good food. Ordered Pupusas and they were amazing. Big portions. I definitely recommend.. I will be coming back!
(4)Dan F.
First off, this place is NOT MEXICAN. It is mostly Salvadorean. Secondly, the Pupusas were excellent and as a previous reviewer stated, rice pupusas are not easy to find. The service is good and friendly. Not sure how well english is spoken here since I speak spanish. There is a picture menu and you could just point to one if you want. It is not run down as someone else stated, it is plain and simple and small but clean . They have a big HDTV for example. Portions are pretty large so bring your appetite.
(4)foodie b.
Searching for some good taco places and so I tried this place last night. I always go near there because there's a great little Thai joint in that shopping center but never tried this place out. The chicken and beef tacos were awesome. Meat was well flavored. Didn't even need any sauces on them except for a little squeeze of lime. Will definitely become a regular and can't wait to try other stuff on their menu.
(4)Missie C.
This place is a hole in the wall with the best food I have had in a while...Delicious!!
(5)Maria C.
yes a whole in the wall, but I love the food!!
(4)Veronica P.
Absolutely amazing food! The pupusas are excellent, as most reviewers have noted. I had the chimichangas and my husband had enchiladas. Both meals were great and really big portions.
(5)Amy A.
I was craving tamales and this place had good reviews so decided to give it a try. The restaurant is tiny, there are only about 4 or 5 tables so be prepared to wait or get your food to go. We ordered the chicken tamales, Pork and Cheese Papusas, and the Carne Asada. Everything was delicious, made to order, and authentic. The carne asada was so tender, the papusas were perfectly crisp and toasty, and the tamale had lots of meat and perfectly seasoned. This place is authentic as you can get. The waitress did not speak very much English and there is no customer service (at least to us non-spanish speakers) and the food took a really long time to cook but the food was extremely good and the price was even better. $10 for carne asada, $2-$3 each for the tamale and the papusa.
(4)Pratibha G.
Went there after one of my best friends said her and her family frequent it on a regular basis. She lives in New York, the food capital of the world, and says she eats it everytime she's back in town. I was curious to say the least...I never judge a place by the cover. Some of the best places I've been are the worst looking, hole in the wall type joints, but no complaints. We walked around the town center, and decided to go there, both of us STARVING. After looking at this place though, it wasn't dirty..just small, and I could see the food was made to order with so much care. I asked for a corn pupusa with pork, beans AND cheese. ( They say or, but I wanted both! ) Along with a chicken tamale --- I wasn't so much for it, but she said they were the best she's ever had. Then 2 steak tacos, and a steak platter with rice, beans, veggies, the works. The pupusa came out first, and it was amazing. Fresh, and just oozing with flavor. Loved the cabbage side, and the jabanero chili sauce was so clutch. The tacos came out next, and they were stuffed with meat. They had 2 corn tortillas with each 2 dollar taco, so really..I ate four. My friends meal, again, was awesome, and the tamale was one of the best I've had...considering I've worked at a very popular Mexican chain that also has them. Bit salty, but I like the salt. I went home stuffed, satisfied, and with money left in my wallet. High-fived my friend and walked out...probably to return tomorrow. I was instructed to try the Mexican sandwich :)
(4)J C.
Love it! Always delicious, cheap, and huge portions.
(5)Frank W.
Not a first date place but come when you your looking for cheap and good food. I had the chicken breast and enjoyed it. Good deal for $9.44 (-; Seating is limited to 20 chairs so leave your colleagues behind They feature a pretty run down interior. The TV is tuned in to a Spanish channel and competes with the hot salsa music coming from the Kitchen. Friendly service
(4)Rahul J.
In one of the shabbiest stripmalls in NOVA, tucked between southasian grocery stores, and serving food behind a counter plastered with latin American tv posters - there's this little gem of a Mexican place. It's cheap, it's small, and it's in Spanish. So pick something off the menu (I recommend the fried pork, burritos or pupusas) by pointing at it, get yourself one of the three tables inside and wait patiently to have an excellent (and cheap) meal.
(4)Willy L.
I have seen this place a few times and I have even been to the thai place next door. Based on the reviews and to be frank it didn't close down in this crappy shopping center I decided to give it a shot. Went for lunch and first impression was it looked clean but was basically deserted. Not a big deal, just concerning. Chips and Salsa were promptly delivered along with our drinks, I had the Chili Relleno and my co-pilot had the Beef Enchiladas. Both came with Rice/Beans and small side salad with avocado on top. Food was very tasty and piping hot. Very flavorful and probably the best Relleno I have had in Herndon. All I can say is this place earned another visit and if you are looking for a mom/pop mexican type restaurant then this is the spot.
(4)Jessica K.
LOVE this place. When I moved out to this area I was looking for an authentic mom-and-pop central american place. I was very skeptical but took a gamble and tried this one. It's rather modest accomodations, but it wasn't dirty so I have no complaints about the setting. I've had some of the best home-made pupusas and comparatively speaking, these were pretty good. I like the curtido and the horchata is really good too. I've been back twice since. I really want to try some of the other dishes but I just love the pupusas so much. If you like central american food, the authentic way, you'll like this place.
(4)Lysandra P.
We LOVE this place! Good, authentic food. Nice employees. Soda from Mexico with real sugar (not HFCS)!! Yeah, it's a bit dumpy inside but you're here for the food and it won't disappoint.
(5)Lateef X.
This is the best Mexican / Latin American food you'll get in this area. It's a hole in the wall and the food tastes so authentic. They even have a 'Sopa de Mariscos' -- it's like a Seafood Bisque...and it tastes just like the one you order in Latin American countries. Tipicos food puts all other chain and local establishments to shame - check out the bonus "Empanadas de Platano" for a nice dessert.
(5)Fatty M.
Awesome pupusas! I went here with two buds last night and tried the pork/ cheese pupusas. Hell ya! I'm really glad we found this place. They do not have the most aesthetically pleasing atmosphere (chipped paint, open kitchen, ertc.) but this is usually where you find legit food. Its definitely authentic. Try it out.
(5)Rosalind M.
Went there to pick up lunch today, very delicious. Food had lots of flavor. Definitely going back....
(5)T L.
I had a chicken burrito and my wife had an enchilada. The food was just okay and way oversalted. I did enjoy my bottle of Coke from Mexico, but honestly it didn't really give us a reason to want to come back. Don't bother.
(2)Pierre S.
Ordered carryout...I'm from El Salvador, and when you look at the place, it looks like it could be there :-). Great food...pupusas were super...best I've found in the area. Yuca con Chicharron was OK...Chicharron was great, yuca was a little less than crunchy. Definitely will go back though
(5)John R.
As an Arizonan, I am very selective and fussy about Mexican food. Authentic Mexican food is very hard to do right, but this place did it very well. I got a mixed meat plate, and my girlfriend got a taco and chalupa. Mine was a fantastic combination of flavors (shrimp, steak, chicken, rice, beans, and avocado). My girlfriend fell in love with the tacos and regretted not ordering more. The horchata (cinnamon sweet drink) was fantastic. Service was not the best. The servers were not tremendously enthusiastic or fast, but the food far and away made up for that. In the future, I expect that I'll return for pickup, but not to sit down. Overall, fantastic food.
(4)Romeo N.
The service was good but food was decent. I ordered Pollo Saltado and wife ordered Pescado Frito. Mine was a usual dish just a little salty but my wife's dish didn't taste right. We thought the fish wasn't fresh and the sides were not hot. She just nibbled on the dish and left most of it. when we went there. And since this is a small place with only few tables we didn't have a good experience. We will not come here anytime soon.
(3)Thomas L.
This is a small hole in the wall at the back of a plaza. I ordered mixtos tacos. I had 1 pork, 1 grilled chicken, and 1 tongue taco. They were all good but the chicken and tongue were the stand outs. Great tacos but I'll return to try the soups.
(4)Dennis B.
I ate at this place twice... the ambiance is nothing to write about but was cool. I tried the tongue tacos and they were weak (last week)the meat is chopped up really fine and the portions are small. El darado restaurant across the street has bigger portions and a lot fresher salsa. I'm sorry but i will not be going back to these guys... Hasta la vista baby!!!
(3)Aries L.
Food here is okay. We ordered the beef & chimichanga, tamales , and 3 meat taco. Everything was overly salted. With rice I was able to balance it out. But I can't get over the fact that my tamales had chicken neckbone in it. N it was not to my liking. I don't think we will be coming back.
(3)J K.
Great food, great service, great prices! Very informal, complete with plastic tablecloths and a large TV with Spanish programming.
(5)Jothi K.
Great place to try authentic Mexican food. Went here for lunch. Got chicken tacos and nachos. Very filling and tasty food. Would def try it again!
(4)Herb G.
Tacos were phenomenal, the chicken was amazing and the beef nachos were very flavorful. Highly recommend just be patient because it's a small place that's worth the wait.
(5)Travis B.
This place needs some attention, and for Yelp to spell the name right, it's Tipicos Dona Gloria. Buried at the very back of the gigantic Kmart shopping center in Herndon, this is a great place for lunch and serves awesomely cheesy authentic pupusas. If you haven't had a pupusa, it's an excellent little flat sort of bread patty thing filled with deliciousness. They serve them here with cheese, pork, chicken and probably a few others. I can also attest that the burritos here are very good and full of loads of meat. The staff are always really friendly and happy to serve. An excellent strip mall find.
(3)Andy B.
really enjoyed this place
(4)Adam F.
Muy delicioso! And I agree with other reviewers that it's authentic. The location and decor gave me pause, and the menu format looked too generic. So I had low expectations. But the food was delicious. The pupusas were yummie, the steak was tender and flavorful, the tamalies were surprisingly sweet, and the soups were amazing. Everyone at our table shared their dishes because we each thought we had chosen a winner!
(4)Helda R.
I stopped in while on a business trip due to the reviews. I am fluent in spanish so the language was not an issue but i would agree that a non-speaker might find it challenging. That said, i had the Best tamale I have had in years! The tacos were also very good but the chicken tamale was flavorful, packed with chicken and vegetables with perfect seasoning.
(5)Jason H.
Coming from los angeles im used to awesome tacos. This place is the closest thing to LA Mexican I've found. Service and ambiance isnt why you'd come here. Its dirty and service is terrible but thats what makes it authentic.
(3)Richard G.
As previous reviews stated, speaking Spanish is a plus here. Staff has limited English. Clearly this place caters to the Latino population in Herndon. I speak Spanish, so no issues. The food is excellent and a real bargain. I went before 6 on a weeknight, so no wait. I order 2 steak tacos and 2 pupusas filled with chicharon. Both were delicious. Total bill was just over $10. A bargain. If you like true typical salvadorean food, this place is legit. I'll be back to try other items on the menu.
(4)Jack Z.
Wow, the food here is fantastic. Not a yuppie restaurant (Yaaaaay!) but the food was authentic and had a real kick to it. What a difference after eating at the various suburban-mexican restaurants in the area!
(5)Megan C.
It's establishments such as Tipicos Glorias that makes you wonder why in the world you didn't discover its magic sooner, especially when you live within walking distance of its doors. There is such a fun feeling about "discovering" a place and wanting to turn it into your own private neighborhood haunt, but then again, you want the restaurant to flourish, so you tell the Yelp world about it! That's how I feel about this little eatery, located in the back of the massive Kmart shopping center in downtown Herndon. Please don't come here with 15 of your closest amigos - you will overwhelm this little space. There are probably only 6 2-and-4 top tables, and there isn't much room for a queue, especially when customers are waiting for their to-go orders to be prepared. This is a spot you pop in for lunch or dinner by yourself or with a few others, max. Be prepared with your best Spanish, or know how to at least pronounce the items you like, or how to say the number of the picture that corresponds to the items you desire, smile, and be patient! And, please, this isn't Mexican food. Although Tipicos Glorias makes some very good double-wrapped corn tortilla-based tacos, most of what you'll find on the menu is of Honduran and El Salvadoran persuasion, from hand-formed, fresh-made to order pupusas, to baldiadas, to lomo saltado, etc. The menu is punctuated with a killer-looking order of nachos and a carne asada burrito, but I definitely come here for the pupusas, saltado, and other specialities. I did like the tacos, too - I opted for pork, lengua, and res (beef), since they were out of their in-house marinated chicken. For pupusas, I like the cheese and bean and the loroco style, but they also have a plain cheese version. You'll find plenty of delicious avocado, too, in many of the dishes! The ladies who work behind the counter are so friendly, and prepare each item to order, with great care. To-go items are packaged well and travel easily. Plus, it's cheap! You're definitely not getting nickel-and-dimed here for their decor or telenovelas, folks. This is legit. Brush up on your high school Spanish and get some good, hearty, authentic eats that would make your abuelita proud.
(4)Sheryl S.
About to try for my first time upon yelping something new and authentic not being in the mood for Jimmy Johns, Firehouse or Quiznos so here we are at the hole in the wall place!! I lived in the Orlando area for 10 years and there were SOOO many chain restaurants so if you wanted great food you would go to your local hole in the wall hub for wings or mex. Period. Everyone knew that!! This place here in Herndon is a gem!! The aromas were intoxicating and hot sizzling platters coming out to one table put us over the edge- we had no breakfast lol. So One order of the chicken quesadillas, a cheese pupas, and three steak tacos for the hubby later we were set!!! The food was plentiful, the tortillas they use for the quesadilla was warm, no bad aftertaste which some torts have and the cheese was plentiful!! Hubby loved the steak tacos and we also liked the Mexican coleslaw it came with in the side!! The only negative we can think of is don't be in a rush when you enter!! It's all made from scratch food and will take some time. We will return!!
(4)Lisa H.
This place is SERIOUS eats. If you're not ready for hearty, authentic food, look elsewhere. If you want to try something delicious, you are at the right spot. The Pollo Saltado dish was HUGE. I'm talking 3 meals stretched from the plate of steaming chicken, onions, and a tomato salsa/sauce over piping hot French fries. Probably not the healthiest, but was it amazing? You bet. We also got 3 tacos: 2 lengua (cow tongue), and 1 mixos (pork, tongue, beef?). Lengua could have had more flavor, but these tacos were authentic, hot, and double corn tortilla wrapped (as it should be). I got full from just one. The pico de gallo and green sauce were good, and not spicy. The yuca and chicharrón plate was a glorious fried appetizer. Fried pork with some of the skin-on, resembling crispy pork rinds, and the yuca came in huge chunks, and fried to golden brown perfection. (Reading all this, I realize why I probably gained like 2 lbs in one day... but it was SO GOOD. Come on your cheat day, or if you need some good ol' comfort cooking. These ladies do it right). You don't come here for the service. You come for the food. Overall verdict: Unassuming hole-in-the-wall, with a ton of flavor. No frills, and one of Herndon's best kept secrets (Maybe not for long)!
(4)Duc D.
I'm not quite sure how I've missed this place for these many years being a few minutes from my office, but I have. It's an unassuming and quaint little restaurant. As many have said, the employees grasp of the English language is sparse, so be prepared to point at pictures. I ordered 2 pork papusas that came with some sort of coleslaw and dipping soup (or was it a side soup?). Regardless, the papusas were warm, with a light outside and quite tasty, gooey inside. I next got 2 lengua tacos that were accompanied with like, salsa and green hot sauce. At these kinds of joints, I tend to judge their food by their butt cuts. The thing that a lot of diners don't seem to get is that beef tongue, as disgusting as it sounds, has some of the beefiest flavors out there. Tipicos was delicious but I felt it needed more sear. As testament to its authenticity, lots of South Americans were lined up for the food. All in all, a good little find when I wanna get my south of the border fix in the burbs of Herndon.
(3)Kendra B.
This place showed up in my email as a recommendation from Yelp a few weeks back. I bookmarked it and said I'd get around to visiting. Today was the day!!! I am originally from Houston, Texas. Mexican food there is AMAZING! When I crave something from home, it's usually Mexican food because it's hard to find good places here. Well, that was until I happened upon this hidden treasure. OMG!! It likely would not be a place I'd walk in to have lunch because it is definitely a hole in the wall!! But those are usually the best eats!! I opted for the chicken quesadillas - they are absolutely delicious!!! I actually ordered take out so by the time I made it back to my office, they were cold. I ate them that way - still delicious! I cannot wait to try other items on the menu. Based on the pictures, looks like the pupusas are popular. I would like to try those as well as the tacos and enchiladas. Yum yum!! The reviews are accurate: 1) It is a mom and pop shop. 2) You will have to point to the item on the menu if you do not know how to say the number in Spanish. Luckily I knew what number four was :-). 3) They do not speak a ton of English but everyone was very kind. 4) Last but not least - the food is really good. Although a small place, it seemed relatively clean and they were quick at cleaning tables as guests finished up their lunch. In short - I give it two thumbs up. And I cannot wait to visit again.
(5)Donald R.
Yeah. Yeah. I go to an authentic Salvadoran place and I get the MOST Tex-Mex item on the menu. This is one of those store front places most avoid. Every who walked past today made a terrible mistake! The food is very fresh tasting and has hearty pleasant smells. Nothing is greasy, even my fried chimichanga. The meat was of high quality and we'll marinated. There's probably a reason Jamelyn and I were the only people who spoke English in here! Little more expensive than similar places, but they make it up in quality. Great find in Herndon.
(4)Lauren M.
Isn't it funny how the little holes in the wall often have the best food? It boggles my mind every single time. I'm a sucker for Mexican food, I'm always on the hunt for yummy local places, especially after the tragic closing of the Tortilla Factory in Herndon. And now I have a great go-to spot off Elden Street. It's unfortunate that the seating isn't ideal; it's more of a take out place - it's even more obvious this is the case when your meal comes out in mismatched plates and plastic utensils. Also you can only fit like 4 couples in there at a time. I hope maybe they'll become more popular and expand into a larger restaurant. The food is really traditional and amazing, and it's much better than the Guapos in Herndon. If they expanded and started serving margaritas, they would become my favorite place in town! My friend raved about the pupusas he ordered, and my bean and cheese quesadilla was the best I've ever had. And I've eaten more quesadillas in my life than I care to admit online. Check out the photo I posted - how good does that avocado wedge look?! I am so ready to go there again!
(4)Alix M.
Go here for the food. It is tiny, no booze, and the TV is blaring. But for delicious chicharrones and authentic pupusas, this is the place. We had tongue tacos, tamales, pupusas, yuca, chicharrones, and a couple platters. It was incredibly cheap (about $2 for a pupusa) and fast. So very glad we found it, as we will definitely be going back!
(5)Joshua D.
Tipicos Gloria is dirty (the ceiling is mostly stained brown, I stepped in a tomato slice on my way in...) and cramped (I counted five tables in the entire place). The chairs are mismatched between fragile patio chairs and those old metal chairs with the black cushions. The menu is limited, but varied enough, although it's all in Spanish (luckily I know enough to read it). The prices seem a little high for the amount of and quality of Mexican food. And, bleh, they don't have a fountain soda machine. Did I mention the music was so loud you can't hear yourself think? But all that aside, when you boil everything down to the core food -- it's dang delicious. Seriously, the tacos (I got a pork, steak and chicken combo, one each) are amazing! The corn tortillas are bursting with flavor, and the meat is ridiculously well seasoned. There's a super spicy tomatillo sauce that comes with them, and I really liked it a lot. The pork especially was perfectly seasoned, and I don't even like pork that much... but it tasted like a Carolina barbecue rub or something. All topped with fresh avocado slices? Baller! Unfortunately, not every dish is that good. I also tried the enchilada, which was just some meat folded in a tortilla and then smothered with what looked like slightly melted bagged/shredded taco cheese blend. There was NO sauce! What?! How can an enchilada not have enchilada sauce?! Weird. The rice was pretty decent, but the refried beans were pureed or something... more like a bean soup. I saw a few other dishes at nearby tables that looked outstanding. So I think the less-than-optimal experience mixed with the hit-or-miss food makes Tipicos Gloria a "maybe" in terms of recommending it. I would say it's probably better as takeout, but I've never been very fond of how Mexican food holds up by the time you get it home after sitting in a foam box. So maybe, if you want to try some pretty authentic Mexican food and need a quick in-and-out bite, give 'er a go. If you want a nicer, sit-down style Mexican joint with a full menu, the traditional free chips and salsa, etc., I recommend Tequila Grande in Vienna or Plaza Azteca in Sterling.
(3)Kelly Z.
It is a whole in the wall kind of restaurant. The place is very small with an open kitchen. The cooks are Mexican women. The food is very good, taste like home. I haven't had such good fish anywhere else. The rice and beans are very tasty. From all the Mexican restaurants I have been, this place is the most authentic one. The food is good and inexpensive.
(4)Richard H.
Best place for Latin American food you can get in the area! Place is a little tight but the food is great.
(5)Kody V.
I've eaten at many el Salvadorian / Hispanic restaurants and this one is by far the best. I always get my normal Carne Asada and sometimes pupusas. Just like the other reviews, it's true. The hole in the wall restaurants sometimes do have the best food. This place is authentic and highly recommend it to anyone looking for good tasting food for a reasonable price. Only downfall is it is hard to communicate with them because they're very limited to English, but the food makes up for it
(4)Amy R.
In search for authentic tamales in the Herndon area, we stumbled upon Gloria's on the internet. After reading the Yelp reviews we decided to try it. Great decision. The place is as everyone has described....only a few tables but we had no trouble eating in for dinner at 7:00 on a weeknight. Two ladies in the behind the counter taking calls for take out orders and cooking. Menu is above your head with pictures but hard to read since it's not really in english. Woman trying to take our order not really in the mood to help us so we did the best we could with the questions we asked, and the information we had from the reviews. We ended up with two delicious chicken tamales! We will definitely be back for more of these. Wonder if they come in pork - couldn't figure that out but will try next time! Also had two pork and cheese papusas. They were delicious and loved the sauce they were served with along with the spicy slaw/cabbage on the side. Would totally try those again! Finally we tried the beef burrito. Totally didn't need it but were weren't sure about the other food we ordered so we got it as a safety item. It came with salad, rice and beans. Quite a large plate of food and all was authentic and awesome. Total bill was just at $20. Can't get that much food for that price anywhere! Next time we'll order less and enjoy it twice as much since we know what to expect! Don't let the location or menu scare you away - give it a try!!!
(4)David P.
Probably the best tacos I have ever had. Everything is made from scratch and the tacos are amazing!
(5)Chris B.
Doesn't really need a write up, the food speaks for itself!Everything is made fresh with that homemade feel. The burritos, enchiladas and tacos are an amazing meal and will leave you in a food coma (a good one) at the same time leaving your wallet extra stuffed! The papusas are just sublime. They also have the amazing Mexico cane sugar sodas like Jarritos and coca cola. This place is a diamond in the rough. A real find if you love authentic food that is quick, nice on the wallet, and TASTY! GO!
(4)Giovanna P.
I love mom & pop places! Great way to support the community and down home good food! They location maybe seats 10 but when you walk in there a picture menu with short description under each photo. I ordered 1 chicken & 1 steak taco & 1 cheese pupusas. The tacos were simply delish! They were served with 2 tortilla, sizzling meat, and a little onion with lime on the side. The pupusa was still hot off the stove. All the food was delicious and I will definitely be going back and trying something else. Great lunch place :)
(5)Denisse H.
the most authentic tacos you can get in the DMV. Im half mexican, half salvadorean and prefer a home cooked meal. and this is about as close as youll get to it. I'm so happy they're right by my job. Very good Food!
(5)Doug B.
I had the pollo con tajadas with a horchata. Both were excellent: the chicken was cooked perfectly and both the plantains and the cabbage topping were fresh and crispy. The mix of flavors in this dish was different and tasty. Next time, I'll have to try the pupasas!
(4)Elizabeth B.
With that said they're food is amazing, just be prepared with cash. I ordered the carne asado, chicken tamales (my favorite) and pork and cheese pupusas
(5)Dean A.
It's a hole in the wall with very minimal seating but they make some of the best pupusas and Salvadoran cuisine in the Herndon/Reston/Sterling area. I've tried their pupusas, tacos, sopas, and their steak asado but my favorite is their pollo asado. These ladies make me proud to be Salvadoran. They do magic in that kitchen and never let me down. Every dish I've ordered has been delicious. Just so y'all know I frequent this place at least once a week.. ok maybe twice. :) don't judge me! If you love pupusas check this place out.
(5)S D.
This used to be my go to place for central American food but lately the flavors have been really inconsistent. I dint know if that's due to a change of cooks or something but I miss the way the food used to be. :(
(3)Joel R.
Chicken enchiladas were great, and well cooked. Rice was a little plain, but the salad that came on the dish was fantastic. Don't eat in at this place though, get it to go. The restaurant is small, and we were panhandled by a woman that was most definitely a scam.
(4)Roger B.
It was ok. Small place. Mismatched chairs. Pictures of the food hanging above the counter, but, some pictures aren't very clear. Hard to ask questions if you don't speak Spanish. Chicken quesadilla was good. Chicken sandwich was ok. They sell bottles of Mexican coke which I like, but, you use a bottle opener that is left up on the counter where everyone puts their hands to open it. It would be better if there was a bottle opener mounted on the cooler or somewhere where less hands go. I'd eat here again but not soon and not often.
(3)