4. Restaurants

La Brasa Latin Cuisine

12401 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD, 20852
  • (301) 468-8850
  • Store is closed

La Brasa Latin Cuisine Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Rockville for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s ( 11428 Rockville Pike )

Visit below restaurant in Rockville for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s ( 11428 Rockville Pike )

  • Bryan J.

    This place is wicked. Get there before noon or after to avoid the lunch crowd, as it gets SLAMMED.

    (4)

  • Gm L.

    Excellent food- excellent service. I Love La Brasa. Carne asada, Taquitos, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Seafood soup, Overall- everything is yummy.

    (5)

  • Paul G.

    I am Mexican. My wife is not. I have long sung the glories of Latino food, but have failed to impress her....until finding La Brasa. Seating is limited, but half of the parking lot is filled with people waiting for take-out. Everything on the menu is amazing...everything. This food puts the home cooking I was raised on to shame. Dining in, we had: Drink: Chilled Modelo. Appetizer: Taquitos. Entre: Chicken enchiladas, chicken quesadilla, split a mariscada soup. Tha mariscada was the best. It gave me food euphoria (AKA foodgasm) just eating it. The rush of endorphins and dopamine in my brain made me savor each bite/sip. It was THAT good. Next adventure here: Lengua, (beef tongue), rotisserie chicken, sangria. You will NOT be disappointed for either take-out or dining in.

    (5)

  • GT W.

    Very difficult place to find- a hole in the wall with a private dirt parking lot that Google maps will tell you is actually next door at an auto repair slash impound. Food took about 20 minutes to come out, so already a big downgrade from El Pollo Rico or Sardi's with similar food. Went for the Lomo Salteado though other things on the menu peeked my interest like ropa vieja and beef tongue. The dish was served with plain rice, excellent sauce and fresh parsley. Sauteed onions were great, fries underneath were small and bland. The portion of the whole dish was tiny compared to other Peruvian type places. Miniscule chunks of overcooked and sinewy beef disgraced the wonderful sauce. Looking out at others' dishes I saw unseasoned, steamed vegetables; lots of plain rice pilaf mounds, bagged iceberg salad. Overall, I was very underwhelmed and thought it was very much in the solid 3-star area. Would recommend other places given the type of food, price, and the wait.

    (3)

  • Frank B.

    Great food, great service. I ordered the fried pork, my friend ordered the steak... Both were outstanding. Make sure to start with the yuca rellenas!

    (4)

  • Nisha B.

    La brassa is everything my heart desires on a warm weekend with options of naps after. The food is comforting and homely. The service is outstanding. I loved the appetizer "Gambas". I could eat it for breakfast- honest. I enjoyed my tilapia so so much. And I Could drink a pitcher of that sangria. The husbands lomo something was excellent. I am waiting for my Tres leches now- yes I have over indulgence problems :)

    (5)

  • Doña R.

    Went for dinner to La brasa with my husband, inside was cosy and warm. We got the table ready to seat in less than a minute and ordered. We had ceviche, different to the peruvian one with some cuts of ginger, no aji or rocoto, but super fresh; roasted chicken, a little bit on the dry side but very good seasoned and lomo saltado, the beef was tender, the rice perfectly cooked, the hint of cilantro in the dish makes a big difference. We coming back to try more dishes. *Ceviche is a MUST if you like raw fish*

    (4)

  • Lhynette C. A.

    I got the masitas de puerco. Cubed pork morsels sauteed with onions, with rice. The little pork pile on my plate was very tender and delicious! It was very, very tender and juicy! It had a good fat-meat ratio in every bite. I especially liked the flavor of the onions, it was crispy and it added a good kick to the perfectly grilled pork. The dish also came with rice and black beans. As much as i did loved the masitas de puerco...i ran into a few issues while dining at La Brasa. 1. It took 30 minutes for our food to come out. We were there fairly early to beat the lunch rush...but it took a long time for the food to come out 2. Insufficient parking space. The place got really crowded (as we waited for our food)...the parking "area" is behind the restaurant. Gravel, fenced in and very small. There aren't any lines to guide car spaces. So, it was a cluster getting in and out. The manager asked me to move my car because the garbage truck showed up and wanted to empty the dumpster. So, being hangry from such a long wait for our food...i went outside and moved my car, waited for the garbage truck to do its thang...then waited a bit to find a spot. 3. I was really surprised at how small the serving size was. For the price, i did expect more. I've gone to a few latin/spanish restos and the servings are double for the price i paid. The food is no doubt very good. But the bad out weighed the good for me.

    (2)

  • Koral S.

    HUGE FAN! Wish I was able to get here more often. Carne Asada a must have if you like good, juicy perfectly cooked steak. Also, the pollo a la brasa and tres leches cake are always amazing. Consistently good and satisfying and the service is outstanding!

    (5)

  • Mark N.

    The carne asada is really good! The restaurant is small but the waiter and staff are really attentive. This restaurant is authentic as well. This spot always gets over looked because of the road its on. Tip: Park on the side on Weekends since meters are free.

    (5)

  • Sarah P.

    We were excited about the great reviews for this place and decided to check it out. Unfortunately it didn't quite rise to the 5-star level, this was mainly due to the incredibly slow pace of the service/kitchen. We came fairly early on a Monday night and there were only 3 other tables occupied when we arrived, two of them already had food. Nonetheless, it was at least hour before we got our food and it seemed to be the theme as the two other tables that came in after us also were left waiting, waiting, waiting. Food itself was overall really good. The salsa is great, chips are a bit heavy (personal preference, I like the light thin ones better). Ceviche was tasy but the order is large and the fish is in larger chunks than I'm used to, guacamole was tasty. The Cuban pork (masitas de puerco) was really delicious, I'd come back for this. The kiddo had the cheese quesadilla and it was overloaded with cheese big time, Mom got the sopa de pollo and said it was just good. Dad got fajitas and said they were good as well. I'd happily return some time for the food but the wait was really kind of ridiculous for as few people as were in the restaurant. They were also out of rotisserie chicken for the day at 6:15, which was a bummer.

    (3)

  • Mike B.

    If you wern't searching for this place... it is very unlikely that you would come to this place. Thank g-d for Yelp. After seeing a solid 4.5 star rating with 203 reviews, I went in search, and boy did I find a pot a gold. The two most popular dishes here are clearly the Lomo Saltado and the Carne Asada. Just look at the review distribution. Like 45 reviews mention the carne asada and 36 mention the lomo saltado. The winner for me was the lomo saltado. A savory vinegar heavy sauce that is pooling around slices of tender beef, tomato, red onion, and french fries. Yes, you heard me- french fries. The original dish is made with slices of potato but a popular rendition of this hit song goes with french fries. The carne asada: my friend says it has the same exact flavor of a good hamburger. I taste it... I can see what he's talking about, but don't completely agree. Not my favorite version to be honest. Not bad by any means, but this dish is not why I gave the location 5 stars. It's a little too thin of a cut of meat for me. The thickness of 3 quarters stacked. The pupusas are delicious. They are begging for a little more char and the orange sauce they are served with I think is a little flavorless. The Stew: 5 stars Lomo Saltado- I could eat that once a week Customer Service- VERY attentive. Finished plates are cleared quickly. Drinks are carefully watched. Perfect touch backs by our server. Pupusas- the flavor is great. The slaw is good. Everything is fresh and you would not think the inside is what it is when you look at the building from the outside. Parking in back

    (5)

  • Beata K.

    Great Peruvian food. It's a small place and nothing super nice when it comes to decor but the food was good. The lomo slatado was on point and the plantains that came with it were also tasty. We also got the chicken which was juicy and cooked very well.

    (4)

  • Bell A.

    A true hidden gem. Do not let the outside appearance deter you. This restaurant gets an A+ for their food, service & cleanliness. Excellent prices & extensive menu. Would return again.

    (5)

  • Alicia R.

    La Brasa has consistently fresh and delicious food. I've been quite a few times and enjoyed the food immensely. Service is always good, too. I treated my mother, grandmother, and daughters to an early Mother's Day lunch on Wednesday and even my notoriously hard to please Grandmother loved everything! My only complaint is the fact that there is no baby changing station in the bathroom, which had me attempting such risky moves such as an In The Air Diaper Change. Phew.

    (5)

  • Christine T.

    Chicarrones, Yuca, Papusas, Ceviche, and Peruvian chicken all in one place?! You don't say. La Brasa came highly recommended and a group of us decided to stop by for lunch. The service was super friendly and one glance at the menu I knew what I wanted. Ordered the Ceviche for the table, Chicarrones con Yucca and a meat papusa for myself. The papusa was great. Soft fluffy perfection. The Chicarrones had a nice sauce on top that soaked into the yucca giving them a nice flavor. Words cannot express the little slice of heaven I was in while eating my meal.

    (4)

  • Ari Z.

    Great first impression. I've driven by the place for years and I just recently read on Yelp about how good it was, so I knew I had to go in. I walked in and the guy at the register (manager? owner?) greeted me. I told him it was my first time, and asked what are some of their signature items/best sellers. He immediately steered me toward the lomo saltado, the carne asada, and the masitas de puerco. A lot of the reviews highlighted the same items, I figured I'd just have to pick one, so I gave the saltado a go. I also ordered a chicken burrito, the ceviche and two bean and cheese papusas. Then I asked, "how's your sopa de res?" I swear it looked like he started to drool. I took one of those too. The order was to go, so I waited at the bar while they prepared everything. I was watching the line chef finish cooking and assembling the dishes, and I could tell she really wanted everything to be perfect. That told me all I needed to know about her passion for what she does. When the guy was packing everything up for me, he showed me what everything was. Papusas, burrito, ceviche, lomo saltado, carne asada. Huh? I said I didn't order that. He said, "it must be your lucky day, take it anyway, you'll love it!" The car smelled great, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I wasn't at all disappointed. Everything was fantastic. The steak in the saltado was wonderfully tender and nicely seasoned, and the onions, tomatoes and potato wedges really brought it all together. The burrito was full of very tasty shredded chicken, and it was dressed very well with its sauces and side of beans and rice. The ceviche was off the charts good, big pieces of fish, sliced red onions, cilantro, all "stewing" in that amazing lime juice marinade. I didn't taste the papusas, but I did hear a few "oh my g-d" utterances. The sopa de res was on a whole other level. The broth had so much body to it, and such deep flavor, that by itself would have been satisfying. Add the veggies and meat to it and... fuhgetaboutit - winner winner! I was so full from trying everything, but I couldn't leave out the precious gift of the carne asada. I just had to take a bite. Super tender, super tasty. It looked underwhelming in the container, but the flavor it packed changed that perception instantly. I am so glad I finally wandered in to this fairly unassuming joint, oddly placed near a couple of high rises and a smattering of old shops, auto mechanics, and a storage facility. I absolutely will be returning to dig deeper into that menu!

    (5)

  • Michael A.

    Honest food prepared and served by nice people. This restaurant is a little small and nothing fancy about it but you will get a good meal for your money. Open kitchen so you can see your food preparation. Clean and yes I know it need some updates but if you come for the food just don't mind the decor. BEST PUPUSAS in this area PERIOD! Also you have to try their Ropa Vieja soooo good!

    (5)

  • Kim A.

    Great food and service. Food is incredible, and the restaurant is located conveniently right off the pike. Things can get a little busy around lunch time, so it would be advised to call ahead for carry out, or arrive a little earlier or later than the usual lunch rush to eat in. The papusas, enchiladas and fried plantains are all amazing. Everything is authentic, cooked fresh, and delicious.

    (4)

  • Merida F.

    Fantastic! The food and atmosphere is always great. I always get the Chicken Saltado and it is great!

    (5)

  • Jéssica N.

    My family has been going to La Brasa since they opened and we can't get enough! If we're not going in for dinner we're ordering carry out. Hands down the best rotisserie chicken in town. And omg.... The tres leches cake is SOOOOOOO good. Love the fact that it's a family owned business and that when I sit down and they already know my order :)

    (5)

  • Emily P.

    Note: Really hard to find! If you don't Parklawn very well, definitely plug the address into your GPS. Onto the food. Everything looked really good on the menu. My two friends and I decided to share everything: Carne Asada (this was good, but not AWESOME as most yelp reviews claimed; I didn't find the meat to be particularly tender); pupusas (one cheese and pork; the other, cheese and green beans - hard to taste the filling, but it was very cheesy); mesida (pork with the plantains - great sauce and sweet plantains!); Camarones Entomatados (shrimp was succulent). I really want to try other things on this menu! Plan to come back!

    (4)

  • Alex A.

    I only have one thing to say about La Brasa. A waiter could have come up to me, called my Mom a whore, and punched me in the face multiple times during my meal, and I'd still give this place five stars. Why? Because the food is *just that good.* Seriously, if you drive by this place, no one would blame you for dismissing it as just another hole in the wall. It's a tiny shack situated on Parklawn Drive, wedged in between a parking lot and something insipid like a 7-Eleven. If you do step inside, you'll be treated to an interior decor that's a bland as the food is flavorful. From the first bite to the last, everything that was served was tasty, well-cooked, fresh, and satisfying. The fact that the two courses and dessert I consumed came with reasonably priced and tasty wine pretty much sealed the deal. To recap: great, expedient, and friendly service. Reasonably priced food that's delicious and flavorful beyond mortal comprehension.

    (5)

  • P F.

    I was really impressed with this restaurant. I give it a solid five stars for the quality of the food and the price point! The space is somewhat small. I don't think there were more than 10 tables in this place. I went on a quiet weeknight and was seated right away, but I can see how getting a seat might be hard on a busier night of the week. The service was great! Very attentive and really nice staff. The complimentary chips and salsa were great! I had the lomo saltado the first time I was there and the steak burrito the second time. They were both very delicious and the ingredients tasted very fresh. I just wish the portion sizes were larger. I will definitely be back. I think next time I will go with a few friends and order a couple of dishes so I can try more of a variety of dishes.

    (5)

  • Charlotte G.

    This is my favorite Latin Cuisine place in the DMV area! The staff is amazing, the food is always perfect, and prices are extremely reasonable. I have gone here several times for date night, dinner with friends, and girl's dinner- with a great experience every time. Appetizers, entrees and desserts have all been delicious. The staff doesn't mind explaining the menu items if you're curious, substituting sides or recommending something to eat if you can't decide. If you're in the mood for some good, simple, done-right latin food then you have to try this place!

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    A well-deserved 5 stars. Every bite of my dinner was delicious. This is a no-bullshit, no fuss, serious place to eat. There should be a cheering crowd in the parking lot every time this restaurant opens its doors. I don't even know what kind of latin food I ate, but it was fucking exquisite. And. And yes, you will sit next to that Snapple fridge and you will love fucking love it.

    (5)

  • Mary L.

    This place makes you feel like home.. I can't believe we didn't know about this place earlier. The combination of central And South American food is just great. I savored every bite of my food. We had the the chicken Saltado and tacos de lengua. The flavors are incorporated in the whole dish. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable of the menu. We will def go back!

    (5)

  • Jonny V.

    I've been pleased with all of my meals at La Brasa. Delicious no-frills food and good service are this restaurant's hallmarks. Things to note: A few friends have told me that the whole roasted chicken is better than most local options, so I should probably give that a try sooner rather than later... I'm docking one star because a) the place can get unnecessarily cramped, and b) their sangrias could use a little more sophistication.

    (4)

  • Duy V.

    I've been here twice and both times were great! The first time I had the carne asada and it was delicious. The second was lomo saltado and it was also great. The meat is tender and tasty. I wish I could go back here more often but whenever I am in Maryland Rockville area I want to go here. It smells just divine when you go in and it seems pretty legit because I've seen a lot of Latin Americans frequenting it. The service is great and the only downside is parking situation and location. I won't hesitate to come back.

    (4)

  • Juris M.

    It's a few years later and I still stand by my original rating. For family birthdays we will even order a whole tray of the tres leches dessert (give them at least 24 hours notice to prepare a whole tray). I went there a couple days ago and their quality has not dipped. I have ALWAYS left here satisfied! They even know now to bring be extra pink sauce with my yucca :) Still family run, still super friendly and still one of my favorite restaurants!

    (5)

  • Jessica D.

    Affordable and seriously tasty food. My husband and I tried the Carne Asada and Lomo Saltado which were excellent and a deal at about $10 each. Had the tres leches cake for dessert even though we were already stuffed, but it was the best tres leches we've ever had and devoured it. I read on a previous review that the ambiance wasn't much but we liked it, the lights were dim and there was some nice music playing in the background. It wasn't too crowded either on a Friday night, we were seated right away, although there was just enough people there to know its a good spot. Definitely recommend!

    (5)

  • Fred-Patrice B.

    We have only gotten take-out from La Brasa, but every time we go in, the place is busy! Their Peruvian chicken is really good. The spices are a little smokey, but really only flavor the skin. The chicken is perfectly cooked and really tender. However, those spicy flavors don't quite make it to the meat, as other Peruvian chicken places have mastered. Sauce definitely enhances the experience and gives the chicken a boost of flavor. Both yellow (mild) and pink (spicy) are heavily mayo based. You need to ask for the green stuff specifically and be ready to invest an additional .25 cents to your chicken eating experience. Totally worth it. (In fact, go ahead and mix the green sauce into the yellow for perfect dipping.) Sides are very good. Platanos fritos are delicious. Rice and beans, yuca, fries, yellow rice--they have more options and it's nice to be able to change it up. We've tried other Peruvian chicken places in the area, but keep coming back here. Their prices are quite reasonable and the folks here are super friendly.

    (5)

  • Drea P.

    Went here with my husband on a Thursday night. The restaurant is a little hard to find in a somewhat industrial area. Upon entering we were greeted to a very cheery little dining room. There was a mix of couples and families dining. We were seated right away, folks who came in after had a short wait, but it didn't seem like anyone waited too long for a table. They also seem to do a good deal of carry out business. We were greeted by our friendly server right away. They have a decent wine selection, the server recommended an Argentinian Pinot Noir which I enjoyed. They have an average beer list, but my husband was very happy with the one he got. Based on our server's recommendations we tried the chicken-cheese and herb-cheese pupusas which were very good. I had the Carne Asada which was excellent. My husband ordered a chicken and vegetable dish that he enjoyed. Based on other's recommendations, we ordered the tres leches cake for dessert and were not disappointed. Overall: A great casual dinner, reasonably priced with very friendly and attentive service. We will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    They have amazing food and are a super friendly staff. I typically get the carne asada and a tres leche. I don't have a single complaint about this place.

    (5)

  • James D.

    Cheese pupusas to die for! Their veggie enchiladas aren't too bad either!

    (5)

  • Jamie H.

    I had the chicken fajita and my bf had the steak Chimichanga. Both were amazing, the service was great and our server was very friendly. Enjoyed my dinner here.

    (5)

  • Sisley C.

    The reviews for this place were really high and I've heard from a few friends to try this place. And I'm glad I did! This place is no romantic or trendy spot. It's in a weird spot and dingy parking lot. It's not trashy inside or outside, but not beautiful either. I don't usually go out to eat Latin food since I'm not a huge fan of it. But boy... this place was good. I got the carne asada, which was exceptional. The meat was tender and flavorful. The lime rice that came with it was also so good. I am a huge fan of lime rice, and this stuff is good. And at $10.50, you have to get it. I also got the pupusa revueltas. What. Cheesy. Goodness. My guest got the beef fajitas and said it was one of the best ones he's had on the East coast. I tried the beef and it was tasty as well! The service was really good as well. I always had my water refilled like a five star restaurant. The only thing that was odd was that the server asked if we were done and cleaned up our plates and whatnot, but we didn't get the bill until like 15 minutes later... Even though he was walking around aimlessly. But hey, whatever. Take me back now!

    (5)

  • Ilona B.

    We had the trout and tilapia dishes and they were excellent. The yuca with pork and plantains were great too. The server was attentive and the prices reasonable. The place is pretty small so I can see how there would be a wait during peak times. However there's plenty of parking. Overall an excellent choice for a casual lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth P.

    I came here with my parents when I first moved to Rockville. It is kind of hard to find and not really next to much else, but I'm glad I heard about it from yelp! The food was REALLY tasty. I had the La Brasa salad with steak which was perfectly marinated and juicy. My parents enjoyed their dishes as well. I have not been back, but more due to a hectic schedule, I will definitely return the next time I am looking for a great plate at a reasonable place in town!

    (4)

  • Ben B.

    Best Carne Asada I have ever had. Go here at all costs- actually at low price. A half chicken and 2 sides was less than $9! So good!

    (5)

  • Katie C.

    This place is close to my job, i came to eat at 12 ish and it was pretty full so i ordered to go thinking it would be quicker. i got the tacos al carbon chicken and taquitos it was good my co workers decided to just get some chicken. Now here goes the bad part, i understand it was busy that day but alot of people BEHIND me ordered their food and left while i waited 25 minutes!!. When i asked the guy at the front i think he is the owner he very RUDELY said " there are other people ahead you of who ordered first" Obviously i know that but when people behind got their food first and i was STILL waiting i was annoyed. If i ever come again i will phone order at least 30 minutes ahead.

    (3)

  • Anya M.

    Love this place. Everything I've tried on the menu is absolutely delicious. I come here regularly and don't think I've been disappointed even once. The pupusas are amazingly perfect. La Brasa is consistently a notch better than everything else in the area.

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    Flavorful platter of chicken enchiladas for moi Moist poultry seasoned well inside Topped deliciously with tomatillo and ranchera sauce Par yellow rice but good bounce to the black beans Inca kola to sip in between - creamy yellow He requested white meat only for his chicken burrito Tasty with same sides as mine Hubs grants 3.5 stars for the burrito Courteous, attentive, and timely servers 'Bout 9 tables inside seating mostly 4 to a table Some outdoor seating seems available 'Twas raining the day we experienced this spot "Natural" parking lot at the back Both dishes under $8 and quells the belly Several regulars ordered meals to go I'll copy that

    (4)

  • Will H.

    I've been going here pretty frequently throughout the week with a coworker. The one thing that's been bothering me is this: The disparity with the number of sauce containers given, regardless of food quantity. If you order a half chicken with sides, you get 2. You order a half chicken, you get the same amount. I think it would be fair to include one more sauce, or at least fill the existing 2 up to the top. I always find myself rationing the sauce just to finish my chicken. No complaints otherwise, but I think it's good to note. I brought this up to the owner and he wasn't really interested in talking about it...

    (3)

  • Juliette E.

    Excellent food!!! The popusas, lomo saltado, rotisserie chicken and Carne asada were amazing!

    (5)

  • Meredith C.

    Very small restaurant but delicious! I had the carne asada and my boyfriend had the lomo saltado. His dish seemed a bit small portion wise but I loved the flavor of the carne asada. We had a yummy pupusa with cheese and pork as an appetizer.

    (4)

  • Mr J.

    Delicious Lomo Soltado, great service, clean, and reasonably priced. Horrible location, but ignore the facade and dive in.

    (5)

  • Gohanchan S.

    I have always enjoyed their rotisserie chicken ....always very tasty, along with rice and beans...decided to get their ceviche yesterday...horrible...big chunks of fish that was impossible to chew..no flavor.!! stay away from this dish!! My co worker also agreed...I rarely throw food out, this time, though, I had to..it was inedible...

    (2)

  • Ruth R.

    First off this place is packed with flavor and very cheap! My boyfriend and I like to go here from time to time because it not only is right around the corner from us but we know the menu and enjoy just about everything on it. We have had the "lomo salt ado" at another place that makes it more authentically but it isn't bad here at la brasa. The chips are always cooked to perfection and their freshly made salsa pairs up so well. The dishes are enough for one and one full serving is plenty! We usually get their tacos, burritos or enchiladas. The fish and steak are good but we've had better. Non the less this place is a very good eat and the price is on point! Every dish is full of flavor. It is such a comforting place to eat. If you're in the area and happen to want a cheap eat, please go here! You will not be disappointed.

    (4)

  • G M.

    I had the steak fajitas and sampled the carne asada. The food was very good. The beef was very tasty and tender. I was a little disappointed with the small dollop of guacamole I received-it wasn't enough for one fajita. When I asked for a little more, I was given enough for the other two fajitas but was charged $2.50 for it. I like to be told when items will be extra. i think their prices are a little steep by at least 15% and I wish they offered lunch specials or a happy hour. Their chips and salsa are very tasty.. All in all, this was a nice little gem and I will likely be back.

    (4)

  • Eric J.

    Could be crispier, but still filling

    (4)

  • Vicky S.

    I do really like eating here and the food does taste wonderful. I like how the Yucca is cut in smaller chunks than most places so they are not all dried out and the Horchata is in house made and taste WONDERFUL I could drink a gallon of it. It's a relatively small place so great for a quick lunch or taking out.

    (5)

  • Victoria S.

    My Family and I absolutely love coming here to La Brasa, I have to say we come at least once every two weeks, maybe more. Not only is the food quite deliciously satisfying, but the cheerful greeting and warm welcome is truly enjoyable. It also is not exuberantly expensive, and gives everyone a true taste of the latin culture. Above all that makes this family run restaurant excellent, is its cleanliness. I can honestly say that we have walked in many times when the employees were disinfecting and cleaning the menus, tables, windows etc... This is most definitely a place to bring your family for dinner. I contain no complaints or negatives.

    (4)

  • Theresa J.

    Awesome service! The food was just as great! My favorite is the Carne Asada! it was cooked just the way I wanted it to be & was delicious! I would highly recommend you to try this place ~

    (5)

  • simmi a.

    Absolutely delicious food. I ordered their tilapia, trout and rotisserie chicken and it was fantastic.

    (5)

  • Kaylee P.

    Love love love this place. I go here about 2-3 times a year. It's my go to place near work. We've always had great service and the food has always been outstanding even for my dine in friends. I've had a variety of dishes here and haven't had one I didn't like :) try the tres leches too!

    (4)

  • Jason F.

    I've driven past this place 1,000 times and have never stopped. I was going out for lunch with a few friends, and they wanted me to pick a place. I saw La Brasa on Yelp, so I decided to give it a try. Well, we all LOVED the place. The food was amazing, the service was excellent, and we walked out with big smiles on our faces! I highly recommend the Carne Asada, the chicken tamales, and the Tres Leches was to die for! I would give them 6 starts if I could! I will be back VERY VERY soon!

    (5)

  • Wine D.

    I am one happy Latin gal!!! La Brasa is the real deal. I have had high end Latin cuisine, I have had low end Latin cuisine (unfortunately) and I have had so-called nouveau Latin cuisine, but rarely have I had such authentic, "reminds me of my Mom and abuelita" comida Latino. The relllenos de yuca and pollo are delicious and were topped with a spoonful of red onion with cilantro and lime which was perfect condiment of acidity and zest. Steak fajitas were delish and well executed, tender marinated skirt. Not the fatty faux steak counterpart so often plated under same guise. Husband ordered the Masitos de puerto which he declared as, super tasty! Plantains, brought me back to my mother's kitchen and certainly brought a smile to my face!!! Look no further folks...if you want to get your Latin on with a side of yuca, head over to La Brasa, just save me a seat!

    (5)

  • Amanda S.

    We went here for dinner on a Tuesday night. I picked this place because of the good reviews on Yelp. We sat down and were the only people in the restaurant around 6:00pm. It took them a long time to take our order and get our food to us. We were happy that we had ordered appetizers, otherwise we would have been starving waiting for our food. For appetizers we got mussels and some kind of fried yucca with stuff inside of it. The appetizers were delicious. Maybe we went wrong by ordering the roasted chicken and sides there. I've been to plenty of Peruvian chicken places where it was delicious, but here the chicken was dry. I had to wash it down with a gulp pf water each time. As sides, I ordered steamed veggies and fried plantains. The veggies were dry too and so were the plantains. They were kind of hard like they had been fried, then left out a long time or something. The meal was not very satisfying for the money paid. M boyfriend didn't really complain about his meal, but he didn't say it was good or rave about it or anything. He just ate it and we left. He also had the peruvian style chicken. Probably will not go back.

    (2)

  • Justin N.

    La Brasa is a family staple for us. We come 3-5 times a month. Everything has been great and we alway feel both welcome and taken care of. I have 23 years behind me as an Executive Chef for some of the best restaurants and hotels. I am not easy to please. I do not go to any other places for my Latino Fix! We were actually there tonight!

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    interesting place. parking's in back and a tad tight for an suv but manageable. you can't beat the prices at this place and the food is delicious. they offer all corn tortillas if you want those instead of flour ones. we had the house made salsa and chips, the ceviche, a few pollo pupusas (the flavor and texture was perfect), red and white sangria, the fajitas trio (the chicken and steak are yummy but oddly thin), the lomo saltada, and the tres leches for dessert. everything was fantastic but the ceviche was over salted in my opinion and the lomo saltada is served on top of fries which get quite soggy rather quickly. the tres leches dessert was out of this world. skip the sangrias, they tasted funny and not good at all. I had to send mine back (I had the white one). this is not a fancy place but it's cozy. the tablecloths are plastic and the napkins are paper. but for the prices and the tastiness of the food, this is quite a find! we will be back. ps this place is beer and wine only, so unfortunately there are no margaritas!

    (4)

  • Fran D.

    Very good food for a very good price. Love Latin food and this place has some good dishes to offer. If you are looking for a cheap and good meal, this is the place to go.

    (4)

  • Mo A.

    On the outside, this place looks like a small hole in the wall joint. When you walk inside, it is small with limited seating but there's a certain warmth in the environment and the staff is very pleasant and engaging. The food is awesome. I tried the Lomo Saltado which is well seasoned sirloin, perfectly prepared fries and rice along with a sauce. The dish is plated with everything on top of each other so you can eat it all together and take in the various flavor and texture contrasts. The sauce completes the dish and provides a little kick. I also had the rotisserie chicken and the fried yuca, both of which are quite tasty. Fantastic place!

    (5)

  • Roberto I.

    great

    (5)

  • Christian O.

    after seeing so many good reviews in had to go.. but honestly... i dont see what its all about, apart from the atmosphere and cleanliness of the restaurant.. the food was subpar. the yuca was and chicharron was unlike any other i've ever seen.. and i'm latino.. .. it was covered in a red sauce and over all was eatable but i wouldn't order again... i ordered a mara y tierra (ocean & land), a new york stake with 3 "jumbo" shrimp. i ordered the stake medium rare, being a stake guy and hearing so much rave about the stake here i was excited, i returned it after 1 bite. and asked for a different dish. the meet tasted like old beef that had been left out in its own juices for far too long before cooking. the chicken taquitos were subpar, and probably the highlight was the tongue tacos i got in place for the plate i returned. tho for it being 10 dollar tacos i expect 3 tacos at least... it was 2..

    (2)

  • David G.

    There are so many good reviews for La Brasa that I feel I have to give you some details about why I don't agree. First, it is a small place with little atmosphere and average service. The food was universally bland, and often nearly "unpleasant". Make no mistake -- I like latin food, and my wife grew up on it in Panama, but this was just not well prepared. Namely: Chicken stuffed yucca - gelatanous. What more can I add? Bad! The pickled vegetables served with it were great, to be fair. Tamales - bland. Ropa Viejo - just shreaded meat, not even onions, but it did come with a sauce consisting of something brown and a pound of salt. Fried Pork Morsels - fatty. Bland too. Tripe - tasteless. Tasteless tripe?? Yep. Hard to believe. Rotiserrie chicken - might have been really good, but it was sold out. I guess the other guests that came before me knew what to order.

    (2)

  • Mike H.

    Ordinarily a reliable stop for decent food at reasonable prices, last night's experience leads me to warn that if the place is crowded, leave. Both the food and the service suffers. We waited more than an hour for our dinner, which then turned out to be sub par.

    (2)

  • Pumpkin S.

    This is a modest little restaurant, and I have lots of positive things to say about it. Our server was excellent-- he shared his recommendation when asked, refilled the water, etc. The food was cheap and good. All the employees were friendly. I looked around the small room while eating, and noticed that it was a very diverse customer base: various ethnic backgrounds and ages, young single people and multi-generational family gatherings. It's probably a sign that the restaurant appeals to a variety of people.

    (4)

  • Katherine L.

    Yum! So good. I love that you can go in there and order so many different things. I got the lomo saltado which is my absolute favorite dish of all time. It was so delicious. AND it came w the spicy green sauce on the side. HUGE bonus! I liked that. As my appetizer I got one pork and cheese pupusa... bc I love pupusas and wanted to try one out from here.. gotta say it was kind of bland. My husband got the carne asada and chicken taquitos. He really liked the chicken taquitos. He also liked the carne asada except that was all there was to it. It was just a piece of steak w a tiny bit of rice and a tiny bit of pico de gallo. I ask what more could you want? Maybe a bigger portion if that's all that's served w it. I got the same amount of rice but then again there was more to the lomo saltado then a piece of steak. I will definitely be going back, just not for the carne asada or the pupusas.

    (4)

  • tania c.

    Thanks to yelp, we found this restaurant during a recent trip. We had the recommended shrimp appetizer and it was delicious. The shrimp were large, fresh, and packed full of flavor. The tacos were pretty good, the prices reasonable, and the atmosphere friendly. I would certainly and have already recommended it to my friends.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    Really really good. Not terribly easy to find but worth the trip. I had the shrimp with tomatoes, as well as the chicken. Tried the pork dish as well. All three were delicious. Service was great. Ambience was nice. Not formal, not fast food. Will return again for sure to try other things.

    (5)

  • Elissar K.

    Authentic Peruvian chicken and Salvadoran pupusas make Elissar a very happy girl. And this isn't just any Peruvian chicken: it has the most perfectly crisp skin the most tender meat, and a subtle but tasty amount of seasoning. This place doesn't look or feel like its industrial park location suggests. The decor is not too shabby and most importantly, it's clean. Service is attentive, friendly, and the food comes out quickly (but not at a scary microwave speed). I am seriously jealous of the yelpers who work near La Brasa!

    (4)

  • Grant D.

    Been frequenting La Brasa since it opened. Best chicken around. Get extra "yellow sauce."

    (5)

  • C M.

    My friend took me here for the first time- I'm so glad he did because I never would have found this tucked away little restaurant on my own. I had the chicken with two sides (rice/beans and fried plantains) and loved it. Make sure you save room for some tres leches for dessert!

    (5)

  • Alison C.

    This is one of my favorite places to eat in Rockville. The location is a little out of the way, and the parking lot can be hard to maneuver, but the food is definitely worth it. You get authentic, delicious Peruvian food for a great price. The service here is always good as well. The chicken is always wonderful and comes with two great sides. I'm also a fan of the carne tacos and the yucca con cicarron. On my last visit I tried the lomo saltado and replaced the fries with yuca. This made it perfect and now I have a new favorite dish.

    (4)

  • Greg R.

    La Brasa is outrageously good. It's ashame that Rockville doesn't have more places like this, at least that I've found. The prices are very reasonable, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and above all the food is served at a very high quality. The rotisserie chicken is great, along with all the sides, but several of the authentic latin dishes are what I would recommend. Most of all the enchiladas which are the best I've ever had. They pull the rotisserie chicken off the bone and place it in the enchiladas; just amazing. ~grc

    (5)

  • Jinshil L.

    3 stars for the lomo saltado, good quality beef, decent portion +1 for the service, our waiter was kind and attentive, free tortilla chips w/ salsa

    (4)

  • Roll T.

    3.50 stars. La Brasa has a small following for its Peruvian style rotisserie chicken. If people had any sense, it would be a throng. Then again, maybe they are intelligent as one would have to make a trip to suburbian Rockville to find this place. Having said that, if one can find perfectly marinated chicken with a succulent fried crust where you can find hints of smoky red from the cooking process that somehow does not completely compromise the moistness of the chicken, then maybe suburbia has it right. Or maybe I'm just getting older. It doesn't matter. It stuns me that a number of prominent Yelpers who love their Peruvian chicken (Lester and Su, I'm looking square at both of you) haven't added this place to their list of Peruvian ventures across Maryland and Virginia. Even if they haven't, you should. While I like the moistness of the chicken at Super Pollo (Arlington, VA), La Brasa arguably has the better spice base. I'd rank it just ahead of El Pollo Rico (Arlington, VA) and right behind Super Pollo in the echelon of Peruvian chicken stalwarts. So why the lower star count? Well, I'm less impressed with everything else La Brasa has to offer. The lomo soltado featured disappointingly tough, chewy cuts of meat. While a number of individuals love how the fries soak up all the juices from the tasty marinade, I just thought it created unappealing soggy fries. I liked the accompanying green sauce and the onions dipped in the marinade. However, I certainly had higher hopes for this dish. I prefer the lomo soltado at Inti (Washington, DC). Similarly, the fried yucca was inconsistent. I found a couple of pieces that were still on the raw side. The yucca at Super Pollo (Arlington, VA) is my strong preference. We sampled all of their pupusas; the best ones were the non-meat options. The accompanying cabbage was lightly flavored and did not appear to have any added vinegar. Frankly, they were nothing special. Still, the chicken really is pretty amazing and it should be mentioned that there are a number of other dishes at La Brasa that could potentially be interesting and/or remarkable. As a result, it is definitely worth the trip if one lives in close proximity and might even be justifiable as a Peruvian chicken destination for those obsessed with finding the best one in the extended DC region.

    (3)

  • Priscilla R.

    Very good! For our first visit we thought we'd try a couple different appetizers. Pupusas weren't greasy and the tamales were moist and flavourful. I'd skip the taquitos next time (they were dry and overly crisp) and try the Lomo Saltado, almost every table around us had either the Lomo Saltado or the chicken with beans and rice and yucca and their plates were clean when they were cleared! That many people can't be wrong. Would definitly go again.

    (4)

  • Sindy A.

    This is my favorite place. Everything is delicious, fresh and inexpensive. The owners treat their regulars like family. They are always warm and friendly. The food is made to order. I miss my mom's cooking but when I come here it feels like home. When we finish eating I find myself thinking of the old spanish saying, "Estomago lleno, corazon contento."

    (5)

  • Roz D.

    A find. Everything is yummy, fresh and inexpensive. Excellent service and cozy atmosphere. This is the kind of place I have few words for because I worry that if it gets too many good reviews I won't be able to get a seat!

    (5)

  • Clifford M.

    You cannot call this a neighborhood restaurant because it is in a light industrial area away from the hustle and bustle of the Pike. It is right next door to the massive Health and Human Services complex but once you know your way there, you will be back - and then often at that. The owners, a husband and wife team, are hard working, and often take your order themselves. The food is fabulous. I like the broth (Sopa De Res) which is just like grandma made it - a large bowl filled with soup-meat, carrots, vegetables, and even a piece of corn. Last visit the owner brought an extra bowl and allowed us to split it. Another favorite is the ceviche which is chilled, consistently delicious and enough to share. My latest visit I ordered the chicken enchilada because it looked so delicious - and it sure was! It seems the patrons are all like me - don't mind going a mile off the beaten path to find something pleasantly different with good food and service. No doubt, we will be back soon.

    (5)

  • Ricky C.

    Love, love, love, love this place! Great food for a very reasonable price. I work next door to this little offshoot from any major road but it's well worth the trip if you can make it. I eat here at least two, sometimes three times a week for lunch. I love the chicken that is charcoal-roasted and has the most flavorful spices rubbed all over it. The carne asada is delicious as are the tacos (traditional with soft shell). If you're looking for a good value, great taste and a friendly staff this is the place to be.

    (5)

  • Steve D.

    I've been eating at La Brasa since 2002 and I'm still a loyal customer. The food is clean and delicious. I have tried every item on there menu and its all good from their chicken to their civiche. There was only one item that I didn't like and is now off the menu and it was there roasted ribs. It didn't have enough seasoning or salt. But everything they offer is good and with good prices.

    (5)

  • Lee C.

    I came here after reviewing all the great reviews on yelp and it definitely lived up to the hype. My friend and I ordered the Fried Pork with Yucca as an appetizer, and I had the half chicken. The food was fresh and delicious! The prices were also excellent, and I think this place is definitely a do-over!!

    (5)

  • D C.

    So my friend convinced me to come here & try the Peruvian chicken. And it was real good, a party of flavors in your mouth. The dipping sauces also added flavor. The yuca is good but the plantains are kinda dry. Overall the chicken is banging! and I've heard other things are good to that i haven't tried. Definitely going back again.

    (4)

  • Michelle W.

    I have driven past this place many times but avoided it because of the location. Now I am kicking myself in the behind for waiting so long to try it! La Brasa has the best homemade flour and corn tortillas I have tasted in the Midatlantic (I moved to Maryland from Texas 11 years ago). The fresh corn tortillas are thick and chewy with a good corn flavor. The flour tortillas are toasted but pliable and soft. They offer a transcontinental menu of latin cuisine. Salvadoran pupusas, peruvian pollo encebollado, mexican carne asada, tex-mex fajitas... I'm not sure about the authenticity of each dish, but it works out wonderfully. I ordered takeout, getting the pupusas, tamales, carne asada and beef fajitas. It was way too much, but my boyfriend and I have big eyes and the leftovers made a great lunch. The loroco pupusas were yummy cheesy gooey. The tamales were good as well (fluffy and moist), but I'm a fan of tex-mex tamales (less fluffy, more meaty). Although they weren't the traditional cut of skirt steak, the carne asada & fajitas were surprisingly tender and flavorful. And most amazingly, they were cooked just right with nice pink in the middle. Other restaurants tend to underprepare and then overcook these dishes. The rice was very good (something else that other places tend to mess up). The beans were simple but tasty. The owner was very friendly and helpful. I love that it's family owned and I'm definitely headed back to try the other menu items and get my hands on some more tortillas.

    (4)

  • Chand A.

    Hi, I totally agree with Carne Asada is tasty...but, @ 9.99 it is like an appetizer :( ... don't try Empanadas! --crao

    (3)

  • Jeannifer B.

    ....from washington dc to rockville?!!...i dont even care how traffic it is in rockville pike!!!!...all i want is my BEST and DELICIOUS ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AT ALL TIMEs!!!!!!!!!....Thumbs up LA BRASA!!!

    (5)

  • Ron B.

    The bill was a little pricier than I had hoped, but the food was good.

    (4)

  • PIstachio B.

    It's been a year since my last review and they've since expanded their menu to add on dishes like ropa vieja (which was good and sweeter--think raisins--than other places) and pollo a la parilla which was soo tasty and light. I also didn't mention in my first review how great their chips n salsa are. They're still making awesome food and always offering great service!

    (4)

  • Mike J.

    BINGO!! Excellent food and wonderful service. My wife and I enjoyed our experience here!

    (4)

  • BJ M.

    You will not be dissapointed! I could eat here EVERY day. And the prices are VERY reasonable. Try the Tacos al Carbon, or the rotissirie chicken that they cook over the seasoned charcoals.. Or the fried plantains. Everything is fantastic. The owner is hands on & makes sure you are satisfied.

    (5)

  • Mary L.

    I have been searching for new restaurants to try in Rockville and I found this place and decided to check it out. I was so glad that I did. Thus far, I have only done take out by calling on the phone ahead of time, but I have been really pleased with the food I got. Like most people have mentioned, the carne asada and lomo saltada were absolutely delicious. The fries in the lomo soak up the juice and are extremely yummy. The meat is really good because I think they probably marinaded it beforehand and then cooked it. You can request different sides than the ones they give you, all you have to do is ask. I like the fried plantains because they're juicy and sweet, mmmmm. The pupusas weren't bad. I think they would taste better at the restaurant because they would have been crispier but the flavor was still pretty good. The rotisserie chicken is delicious too. It's flavorful and still moist. If you want something sweet, get the tres leches. The sauce in the bottom is really sweet and I try to make the cake soak up as much of it as possible. One of the reasons I really like this place is because when I call and try to pronounce some of the names of the dishes in my terrible Spanish accent, the man on the phone is very nice about my butchering the name of the dish. When I finally got it right, he even said "very good," not being condescending at all, unlike some places. Also, when I have gone recently, they always help me carry out my food, since I am a little bit gimpy right now due to a bad ankle sprain earlier this summer. Overall, very nice people and very good food.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth W.

    I work nearby La Brasa and it is my favorite lunch place, and take-out dinner place! The dining room is smallish, and if you come at around noon, it's packed. No wonder, the food is very reasonable priced and delicious. I try to get something different every time, and everything I've had is very good. The chicken really is amazing!! I've had the burrito, chimichangas, enchiladas and pollo criollo - all to die for. Also tried the yuca con chicarron and it was pretty good. I'm not big on pork, so it wasn't my favorite, but I still gobbled it up pretty quick. The pupusas and other vegetable sides (mmm yuca) are good too! And the sauces to go with the chicken! MMmmm I think i'm going to go there for lunch now, and try the carne asada the other yelpers are talking about. :) And yes, the staff are all lovely people - I really like them there! Update! I went back and tried the carne asada one day and another day the lomo saltado! Both so very yummy!! Another update! I got a new job in DC and now I don't work by La Brasa anymore and I'm a sad panda. Had my farewell lunch there though and tried an entree with shrimp for the first time - delicious! I miss you Emilio!!

    (5)

  • Katherine K.

    La Brasa is quite possibly Rockville's best-kept secret. It's located in what looks like an industrial park in the ass-end of Rockville but serves some of the best rotisserie chicken I've ever tasted. La Brasa is family-owned, and you'll find that if you become a frequent diner the owners will learn your names and favorite dishes. As mentioned, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the Carne Asada is perfectly cooked to your liking. Lately I've been hooked on their Loma Saltado and pupusas. Dine inside as the scenery outside is not much to look at unless gas stations are your thing. But the food is what counts here, and La Brasa never disappoints.

    (5)

  • Donna C.

    This restaurant is in the weirdest location ever. It's on a windy road in the middle of ugly office buildings. It stands alone in it's lot and is totally out of place. Surprisingly though, the inside is nicely decorated. Since I'd heard great things about the chicken, I had to order it. It was fabulous! The chicken was moist, tender and flavorful. I think I like the flavor of this chicken slightly better than Crisp and Juicy. There was just slightly more to it. The rice and black beans are really nice too and you get a big salad to go with it. I think next time, I'll try some of their pupusas.

    (4)

  • Don D.

    Great food, quaint atmosphere. I had the combo platter with 1 tamale, and 2 enchiladas. The food was some of the best Mexican (I say Mexican, but it's not really, just what I'm used to) I've had. The tamale was more potato than chicken, but everything had a tender taste to it. The waitress I think spoke to me in half Spanish half English as she was saying some things I couldn't understand, which I guess is good since it seems more authentic. The place is in a back area off Rockville Pike, with a dirt parking lot in back, feels like it's hidden. However, it was also busy so people are willing to come to this place. If I wanted to take someone to a "Mexican" restaurant in the area, I'd choose this one.

    (4)

  • Pinki P.

    This place is a bit small, and looks a tad outdated as far as decor goes.. but the food was great, and the service was soooo wonderful. The chef, whom seemed like the owner, went out of his way to come out and tell me the Lomo Saltado i ordered in medium rare would not be good cooked that way. Instead he said it should be cooked well done in order to get the full taste of how it's supposed to be. He said if I didn't want it that way, then he suggested I get the Carne Asada instead. I listened to him and went with the Lomo Saltado being well done and it was yummmmmy!! He later came and asked us if we liked hot sauce and brought out a special homemade hot sauce for us. He was constantly checking up on us to see how we were doing.. He must be the nicest person ever in the restaurant business :) Definitely coming back here again.

    (5)

  • Ami F.

    This place is a great find!! We have been here several times and intend to keep coming back. The Carne Asada is amazing - the staff recommended medium well and it did not disappoint (you can pick any two sides you want). The pupusa revueltas are also great. It may be a little pricier than needed, but not by much. They have quick and friendly service, and the staff is pretty nice. It is a small place but they keep it up well. On Friday or Saturday nights they sometimes have a musician playing in the corner (it's a small space) which seemed a bit cheezy and distracting, but it also kinda added to the fun. This is one of the best places in the area, I highly recommend! Also, their chicken is good, but I still prefer Crisp N Juicy's better.

    (5)

  • Leila T.

    Not many options as a vegetarian, but they'll create some for you if you ask. The homemade pupasas were delicious (black bean and cheese), as well as the frijoles y arroz. A word of caution: my boyfriend ordered the fajitas and bit into a green pepper which turned out to be a jabanero pepper aka the pepper that burns every cell on your tongue and makes your lips sting, your eyes tear, your nose run, and your gums swell.

    (4)

  • Michael W.

    I work only one block away from La Brasa and therefore go there quite often. The staff is very friendly, the food is very good and the portion quite big. So far I haven't found something that I don't like there. I particularly like the hard chicken taquitos and the Chicken Chimichanga, although most often I go for the rotisserie quarter chicken with rice, beans and fried yuca (yummy). The flan that they make is also outstanding (I highly recommend).

    (4)

  • serena t.

    a hidden gem in the moco restaurant wasteland. looks like a hole in the wall from the outside but inside it was actually quite pleasant. we had sangria (i wouldn't get it again-tasted cheap) but the rest of the food was fantastic. my dad had the carne asada tacos and i got the Lomo- the quality and flavor of the meat really surprised both of us! it was delicious and cooked perfectly. some complaints- not sure why the Lomo came with french fries.. they got soggy in the sauce and cut potatoes would have worked much better in my opinion. also the waiter, to make it less awkward in asking for my ID, for some reason tried to also guess my father's age.. and said he was OLDER than what he was! First of all.. inappropriate. And somewhat insulting. Though we didn't complain or act offended I didn't appreciate his behavior. Then another staff member checked my ID twice because yes, i look young, but come ON, it was lunch and a glass of sangria (and I'm 23, and with my father.) this place could stand to train their employees better but the food made up for the "innocently rude" comments and annoyance with my ID.

    (4)

  • Merissa D.

    I love this place! I discovered it two years ago when I came with a group of friends, and it hasn't been until recently that I've been frequenting it. The food is so delicious...I feel like I'm getting a home-cooked meal every time I come here...and those chips....addicting. Definitely getting your money's worth (and it's not badly priced either).

    (5)

  • Maria K.

    Ok, wasn't a huge fan of the chicken (I still think Chicken on the Run in Bethesda is my favorite for Peruvian chicken), nor was I a huge fan of their ceviche (not that those were terrible, just wouldn't be my go to items on the menu), but I honestly can't stop thinking of this place. Their lomo saltado was excellent, as was some grilled shrimp dish. Their tres leches.... divine! It's a really random location, but well worth the hunt.

    (5)

  • Bettie K.

    food is excellent! twice a month i get there whole chicken with 3 sides. the chicken is seasoned very well. its tender and juicy. i love this place!!

    (5)

  • valentina k.

    Great service and good food! Fish tacos and ceviche are really good! Sangria is delicious!

    (4)

  • Monica V.

    My boyfriend and I came across La Brasa via Yelp and were pleasantly surprised with our first, second, and third dining experiences! I manage and he serves within the DC restaurant scene, so it's nice to take a break from the city and find a down to earth place to relax, eat delicious food, and receive attentive service for a reasonable price. On our first visit we had the pupusas, I had the Carne Asada special (w/ shrimp and tostones!), and he had the chimichanga -- delicious!! Our second visit, he had the Ropa Vieja and I had one of the other steak specials with egg ... again, super tasty! Our third visit, I had the Lomo Saltado and he opted for Ropa Vieja again (it was sooo good). The Lomo was alright, but I would venture to try other items off the menu .... which brings me to my fourth visit in less than a month ... a rarity for me! I took my mother to dinner and had the fajitas. Just when I thought I had already tried their star dishes, La Brasa proved me wrong ... I need to keep returning and trying more off their menu. Every visit is seemingly as delicious (if not more than) as the last!

    (5)

  • Katherine W.

    Yumm! Healthy and delicious fresh - great plantains papusa and enchiladas. We loves their spicy green sauce.

    (5)

  • Anna W.

    The food is great! Fresh, authentic, great choices, and good prices. Its quick service and very kind, smiley employees too! I had the chicken on a salad.. and the chicken was juicy, flavorful and a big portion. It really tastes like ethnic home cooked food. I was eyeing someone who got the salmon on the salad... it looked delicious, I want to go back and try the salmon, it was a huge piece of fish. Not sure I would go out of the way driving to go here, but if you work in the neighborhood its a perfect lunch place and they have indoor/outdoor seating.

    (4)

  • Meghan G.

    When La Brasa first opened after over a year of labor-of-love style remodeling of a run down deli on a backstreet, I was one of the first people in the door. Being that it was literally next door to my apartment, I became literally an addict for their juicy amazing carne asada. The family that runs the place is as sweet at their homemade tres leches cake. Their menu ranges from sandwiches to salads to an assortment of Salvadorian entrees that will leave you drooling for more. My personal faves are their $10 carne asada dinner (bests all others hands down), pupusas, their charcoal roasted rotisserie chicken that melts in your mouth and their refreshing horchata. La Brasa is truly a hidden gem in Rockville.

    (5)

  • Stephanie D.

    All the patrons were white. I think that says a lot. Food was allright. 3.5 stars. Had carne asada and chicken saltado. Flavors were kinda weak. Salsa and chips at a Latin American restaurant? Not in my experience, but this one provides them. Salsa made the chips taste better, but the chips on their own are pretty much tasteless. I love kantutas in Wheaton for Latin American (Bolivian), much more flavorful and generous portions, and the patrons aren't all white!

    (3)

  • Eunice K.

    Very hard to find. Located across the gas station and it doesn't seem like a restaurant would be located on this road. I feel like there wouldn't be a time when there aren't enough spots to park. The restaurant is very small. When you are seated they bring out chips and salsa. HORCHATA sweet and not as creamy. PUPUSA came with some sauce that didn't have much flavor and pickled slaw BISTEC ENCEBOLLADO - Steak sauteed with peppers and onions served with white rice and salad. 11.50 My friend ordered this so I was able to try a little. flavorful, good, filling, and seemed like a well-balanced meal LOMO SALTADO - Strips of prime sirloin sautéed in a special Peruvian sauce with onions, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. 11.50 My cousin and other friend ordered this and it was also very good and flavorful. The onions were cooked and still had a little crunch. MASITAS DE PUERCO - Cuban style morsels of pork, topped with sautéed onions. Served with jasmine rice black beans and plantains. 12.95 This was my dish and the pork was good. some parts were a little more dry but in general juicy and flavorful. The pork rub/sauce was good and worked well with the plantains, beans and rice. The rice was a bit salty in my opinion but very good. TRES LECHE good but not as good as I expected. SERVICE excellent! They were very attentive and thoughtful. They did not bring out the check to us until later because they did not want to disrupt our conversation.

    (4)

  • Tandis H.

    For being the number one Yelp rated restaurant in Rockville, I guess my expectations were pretty high. After reading many reviews and looking closely at their menu, I decided to order the lomo saltado (I almost ordered the carne asada, but I'm more for flavor than a simple steak). I also got a side of black beans, a very good decision as it added more heft and was a nice complement to the meal. Dinner: 2/5 stars. The meat was tough and definitely had to be cut up into smaller pieces. The onions were thinly cut which was fine, but not what I expected. Some people mentioned that the lomo saltado comes with nice potato wedges? When I got my meal, I dug to see if there were any fries, just out of curiosity. There were literally 3 fries (not potato-wedges) hidden under the meat. Luckily we had some leftover tortilla chips that I mixed in. The flavor was nice, but the dish overall was underwhelming, even if I hadn't read the raving reviews beforehand. Dessert: 5/5 stars. My friend and I split the tres leches dessert which I had seen all over these Yelp reviews. It was the perfect size to share and was very good. I had never had this dessert before. Service/Ambiance: 4/5. The place was decently busy for a Monday night. Our server was a kind man and was very attentive. The place is a little dark and small, but seemed clean. I would come back to try some other dishes here - it was not bad! Just wanted to give my experience at this place since it seems to be different from many others'.

    (3)

  • Peter L.

    Enjoying La Brasa once or twice a week allows me to keep my sanity and I never have a bad thing to say. It feels like my Latin home for lunch and dinner. If you have not been here then you have not experienced good latin cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Barbara F.

    I LOVE THIS local place, with authentic Peruvian food, Family owned and the food is wonderful. The service is great, It is small and you might have to wait, but a real value and worth it!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer N.

    Yes, yes, yes!! La Brasa is featuring some spiffy new menus, but rest assured, you can still get 1/2 chicken with two sides for $8.50 (seriously). This magnificent, juicy chicken (crispy skin, tender inside) comes with your choice of plantains, black beans and rice, french fries, or yucca (and tortillas). Sure, this place isn't huge on ambiance (more than that, if you drive faster than 15mph, you'll fly right by La Brasa) - but the staff is efficient and friendly, the food is delicious and fresh, and it's one of the few places in Metro DC where you can get a really good meal for two for under $20.

    (5)

  • Beth L.

    (Email to co-workers, Subject: Whoaaa) OMG. Holy chicken. Can I just express how very grateful I am that I'm not a vegetarian? I can say that seriously because I was one for 10 years. This is insanely delicious...you know, I don't think I've ever had Peruvian chix before. The skin especially....omggggg. My door is closed and I've dug in hands-first, with reckless abandon. The best part is it's a LOT of food - I have dinner too, and I keep thinking about how much Tiger would love this, too. Thank you both so much for introducing me to this joint!

    (5)

  • Elly S.

    I try a lot of restaurants one time and rarely find one that impresses me enough for a second visit. But La Brasa is the exception - excellent food, good prices, and I'm always looking for an excuse to go there. Be aware that the location is not elegant at all; it's stuck in the middle of an office/industrial area. And check the hours - last I recall, they were closed on Sundays.

    (5)

  • Stephen K.

    Absolutely love love love this place. It's not super expensive which is also a plus but honestly I'd probably still come even if it was; it's that good. The carne asada is legit, as is the tamales for an appetizer. I try to make it here at least a couple times a month, mostly because I get the craving for the flavors.. If you're looking for amazing flavor and good service, this is the place to go for sure!

    (5)

  • Jayson S.

    Fantastic food in an almost hidden location. I've almost missed the place twice, but am so glad I persevered to locate them. This place has fresh delicious food. The Masitas de Puerco is scrumptious, as is the Camarones Entomatados. The sides are perfect (I don't know how the make rice taste so good) including yummy plantains. And I almost forgot to mention the perfectly cooked, tender whole chicken I ordered to take home.

    (5)

  • Kathleen J.

    Perfect Latin food, with a great staff to boot! You must try the Tres Leches, it is perfection. The restaurant is tucked back off the main roads, and its quiet location is perfect for afternoon or evening dining. I have had do many great dishes, and make sure you try some authentic Latin appetizers too!

    (5)

  • Bo I.

    Um... Holy shit. This place is the shit. I like Carne Asada here. Also the chicharone is amazing, and so as their white rice. All the juices are pretty much authentic (according to my Spanish boyfriend) Although it is a little too sweet, so he puts water and ice in it. But its way to sweet for me. I am Korean, maybe that's why. Their food had been consistently good, although their white rice taste a bit different from a month ago. Take out service is really fast, and people are nice there if you talk to them. I am sad I moved away from this area, but I have to come back here to try their Chicken sometime.

    (5)

  • Nicole R.

    3.75 Stars. Pretty darn good! I have to try this place again...I ordered the shrimp dish and it was mighty tasty. I definitely want to try some of the other selections. Here's what I liked: Salsa was yummy - hot though! Friendly service Place felt "authentic" Fast service Plenty of parking What I didn't like: A little pricey in my opinion Location is a little inconvenient Not the most charming place, for sure! Come here for the food!

    (4)

  • Rachel C.

    I went here with a friend who said she's been coming for years. She loves the food, but also the fact that it's family-owned and operated and that the waiter knows her order (salad-extra avacados) without her even saying it! She said that during lunch it's quite crowded and it's best to come on off-times, if possible. We were there for dinner on a Monday and it became more and more crowded the longer we were there! I heard another patron asking the waiter about his family, so they must have a few regulars. On her recommendation I got the salad with steak (and a glass of wine!) and it was DELICIOUS--and inexpensive. All the other meals I saw going to other tables looked and smelled amazing. I would definitely recommend this--and I will be coming back again!

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    First, put this in perspective: This isn't a fancy place so don't have the wrong expectations. But if you avoid the sparse atmosphere and the location you are in for a treat. The food here is excellent. The carne asada was incredibly tender and well-seasoned. And shouldn't be missed. A friend with us raved about the lomo soltado. And a third had a chimichanga, which was the most pedestrian of the dishes. So come in and try this place. It's a great value, great taste, really nice service and a complete winner. Take the time to find it!

    (5)

  • David L.

    A little hard to find. But food was excellent. I had the chicken soup and the tilapia. Seasoned really well.

    (4)

  • Brandy W.

    WOW WOW WOW!! This place was a find. Food was high quality, authentic latin fare packed with flavor. Service was prompt.....only a few tables but worth the wait. Try the Rosa Vieja (sp?)....amazing.

    (5)

  • Phoebe C.

    So for Latin cuisine outside of Cali, I'd say La Brasa is pretty legit in how good the food tastes and the fact that it doesn't make too big a dent to your wallet. You can spend roughly $10-12 here if you just order an entree. But if you order an entree, share appetizers, and a pitcher of sangria, it'll be ~$20. But you will end up super satisfied and food coma-ed out. The good: -SANGRIA. Def get the sangria. You could taste the wine, and it wasn't sweet, but it went down super easy. Three people can easily finish a pitcher. Maybe even a thirsty two. -Taquitos. At first I was a bit doubtful because taquitos seem so...not special. But it was actually the best tasting appetizer. It comes w/ sour cream, guac, and salsa. -Free chips + salsa. Good that it was free. Filling but not yummy per se. -Chicken enchilada entree. You get 2 enchiladas and the standard sides. It was tasty and the moistness of the enchilada sauce hit the spot. I wish they included guac on the side though. -Carne asada (and fajita which also had carne asada). Meet was good. Thin and tasty and cooked to perfection. -Chimichanga. My friends liked it. Seriously the biggest deep fried chimichanga ever. You have to be pretty beast to finish it all. -Takes your usual credit cards (AMEX, VISA, MC). -Nice customer service. Waitress came around often to refill drinks, ask how we were doing, etc. The meh: -Tamales. Wasn't impressed at all. Tasted pretty bland and flavorless, and the whole thing was too soft. -Kinda hole in the wall and located in a sub-optimal plaza (if you can even call it that). -Parking is on this stony/cementy and dinky lot.

    (4)

  • Eugene H.

    got the carne asada here and it was pretty good. there isn't too much seating here, but luckily we came during an off time so the service was quick and we had no trouble getting a spot. this place is on a road that unless you're passing through or working in the area, could easily get passed up.

    (4)

  • Alicia L.

    This place has an awesome happy hour. $5 food and $5 drinks. The soft beef tacos are yummy and so are the empanadas. The papusa wasn't a that great.

    (4)

  • Tim D.

    This is our go to place for a quick, cheap dinner. I've never had to wait for a seat, the service is prompt and the chips and salsa are great. Their salsa is not chunky but it has great flavor and their chips are crispy and light. Our usual order is the chicken chimichanga which has always been fried to the perfect level of crispness. It comes with a side of rice and beans. The portion sizes may not seem like a lot of food but for $8 it is more than you would expect, and it is enough for me to feel full.

    (5)

  • Rachael H.

    Have been here several times and am always very pleased w/my meal. I love the la brasa steak salad!

    (5)

  • Darren W.

    Amazing food.

    (5)

  • Mark N.

    I've been here twice now and it is already one of my favorite spots for some real Latin food. First off the service is superb but the dishes they recommended us were hit and miss. It may be mostly just our preference. So for our first visit, we went with what the waiter recommended which was the Yuca con Chicharron, crispy chunks of pork with fried yuca. This was pretty good but they really didn't give enough chunks of pork. We also order the Cerviche, which came with big chunks of white fish. We usually like the fish in smaller chunks which in my opinion tastes a lot better. For the entree dish, I ordered the Masitas and that was really good. So tasty and flavorful. My wife ordered the Tilapia which was just okay. The sauce was decent, but the fish was probably overcooked. Nothing to write too much about. My sister ordered the pan fried trout, which in my opinion was not that good. The fish was dry and flavorless and the sauce didn't quite pare with the trout very well. My second visit was better since we stuck to what was recommended here by reviewers. I ordered Pupusas which was pretty good as an appetizer. We also ordered the Mussels which was way too fishy tasting for our tastes. This is nothing compared to Timpano's mussels! For the main dishes we ordered the Lomo Saltado and Ropa Viejo which were delicious. I especially like the flavor of the Lomo Saltaldo as it was cooked perfectly. The Ropa was equally as satisfying as the shredded beef seemed marinated in the sauce they cook it in. Add in the rice and its a perfect and balanced meal. Lastly, the Sangria is a MUST try as it is one of the best we have ever had. Everytime we go, we load up on a few glasses and then go to sleep. This place rivals my other favorite place called Guapos, but I think we found a new hangout.

    (4)

  • Cameron B.

    Ok, I have to qualify, the management and staff here are like family! If you come here more than three times they will remember you, love you, and treat you like a cousin! The food, yes, it's well done basic basic basic central American food. It's not going to blow your socks off but you'll never leave disappointed! Ambiance....not great, but they'll clean up your table, run your food, and fill your glass like a 5 star restaurant! Fried plantains and Yuka, falnk steak to chimichangas, classic Peruvian soup and tortas, you can even get a pitcher of Sangria! La Brasa has been nourishing the NIH community of Twinbrook for years, and I for one LOVE THEM for it!!

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    I haven't tried the Peruvian chicken so I can't comment on that...well the one and only thing I have when I come here is the carne asadas. It's much better than what I have tasted in mexican restaurants across the DC area. Just remember that this place isn't fancy. You go up to the cashier and order and it's not a full dining experience. The ambience is ho hum. It's a small joint that you go to grab a quick bite. If you don't have high expectations on the looks of this place, you should be quite happy with the quality of the food. I have yet to hear anyone really complain about this place in person.

    (4)

  • Taylor T.

    Ambiance -- casual & comfortable; no frills. Service -- polite, attentive, happy; no frills. Received a welcome, drinks, apps, & dinner in good order. Had to wait a little bit for a second beer, but it was a Corona, so who really cares. Food -- rotisserie chicken was VERY good, the house rub definitely made it. The coleslaw was also very good, a nice foil to the well spiced chicken. Jicama & mango salad was also good, but it's 2013, where did you even find iceberg lettuce? The salsa was good, & the chips were warm and not greasy. Diverse enough menu, full of Latin style, home cooking; No frills. Drink -- very poor beer list (corona, modelo, heiniken, miller lite, etc.) Price -- good value; about $55 including gratuity for (1) App (4) Beer/Wine (2) Entree Bathrooms -- clean & functional. Overall: I got my money's worth, for a good, home cooked meal; in a clean & friendly environment.

    (3)

  • Amanda M.

    This is definitely a hole in the wall. You could easily pass it while it is overshadowed by the FDA building. WOW. The food is AMAZING! My favorite dishes are the Peruvian chicken, Lomo Saltado, Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken Tamales. Even though I live in VA, I make trips to Rockville just to eat here!

    (5)

  • Amanda N.

    Love. I wish I knew about this place a while ago. I recently went here for lunch. They only seat about 35 people and lunch was pretty busy. I was feeling adventurous so I ordered the Tacos De Lengua (beef tongue taco). It was really good. I would order it again. I also tried the horchata which was a bit too sweet for my liking but it had good flavors. I will definitely come back to try their other menu items. This was a great find!

    (4)

  • Topaz S.

    My family and I have been here at least a dozen times over the past 18 months. This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We've eaten practically everything on the menu, but our favorites are the chicken enchiladas, lomo saltado, shrimp tacos, gambas al ajillo, tilapia and the pupusas. There is not a lot of atmosphere here, but for the price and quality, who cares? The only negatives is that the salsa is watery and for a place billed as a rotisserie chicken place, the only time we tried to order it, they were out.

    (5)

  • James L.

    First time here and had there carne asada and it was really good. The place at first looks really small and out of place. But the staff was really friendly and I believe they are family owned. I would definitely come back again.

    (5)

  • David M.

    The food here is amazing. We went here a few times just to make sure it wasn't a "one time thing." Everything is done very well. If I could complain about anything, it would be the parking lot. Obviously this has nothing to do with the food. Even if it rains and the parking lot turns to mud, it's worth it for the food here. Very good stuff. Very reasonably priced for the quality. Everything tastes authentic and perfectly executed. If you're in the area, this is a must-visit spot.

    (5)

  • Keny Ñ.

    Lomo does it again! Jea!

    (5)

  • Timir D.

    This review is for the "tacos al carbon". I have not tried any of the other dishes, and I realize that tacos are not the specialty of this restaurant. The service is fast and polite. Chips and salsa are served when you are seated. Both items appear to be made in-house, the chips were great, the salsa was lacking in texture but had good taste. The tacos (2 of them) came in the 2-ply format which I prefer. The filling was grilled beef and had nice texture but lacked in flavor. The taco was also filled with some pico de gallo (not the best, but very fresh tasting), and some avocado slices (just a little bit unripe, but that is better than over ripe). The tacos were accompanied by yellow rice and black beans, both were lacking in zing and could have used salt, the beans in particular tasted like they had just been poured out of a can onto the plate. Im willing to go back to this place to try the chicken.

    (3)

  • Phi N.

    I figured it out. The first time I ordered the pupusa here, I thought they messed up my order and just gave me a cheese pupusa. But this time around, I realized there was just barely any pork in it. So don't be confused, lol. The lomo saltado was still pretty good, and the peruvian chicken was all right too. This restaurant still isn't as good as many of the other peruvian establishments in the area though.

    (3)

  • Barbara W.

    Wow that tres leches cake was so delicious! Please please save room for dessert after eating their delicious other food too! The cake is so creamy and sweet. You'll love it I promise...I will be very sad if you miss out on it! On a busy Friday night, I came here with 2 of my friends who were visiting from out of town (CT and NYC) and we were able to sit outside and enjoy our meal in the nice May weather. The server was really attentive to the outside guests even though there were only two tables outside. The only downfall of eating outside is that no alcohol can be consumed there. The food is really high quality for the price. We ordered the ceviche and 3 little patty-things (can't remember the name right now) and they were delicious. I got the ropa vieja and the pork was very very tender and juicy. The plantains were sweet and it was a good combination. One of my friends ordered the half chicken and it was HUGE (and only cost ~$9!). The flavors were solid too. With appetizer, entrees and a shared dessert our bill came out to about $18 a person. As the other reviewers have said, this isn't a fancy place, and not located in a spectacularly beautiful building, but the food is really good so don't pass this place up! p.s. limited parking available on a gravel lot behind the tiny hole in the wall building.

    (5)

  • Bryan B.

    Every time I walk in there, whether it's for pick up or dining in I feel like I'm being treated like family. Service has always been excellent, prompt and never fails to meet expectation. The food is packed with flavor and has yet to disappoint. I feel like I'm eating an authentic home cooked meal every time. I really don't know what to say other than this place is great and you have to try the Carne Asada. I wish them the best and hope they can expand and share their dishes to a bigger audience.

    (4)

  • Dee B.

    This is one of my favorite Yelp finds thus far - definitely a hidden gem! I was searching for a late Sunday night dinner with a friend...remembered La Brasa, tracked down the address, practically drove past it, but were very happy we did decide to try it. All of the servers were sincerely friendly and responsive (refilling water, helping clean up spilled salsa); definitely some of the best service I've gotten in the area. The chips and salsa were a unexpected surprise and SO good! The chips were warm, the salsa tasted fresh and smoky. This alone could have been my dinner! They were out of rotisserie chicken, which wasn't surprising given the hour, but I had been looking forward to trying it. However, their menu has plenty of other choices. I got a salad with grilled chicken, my friend a chicken burrito. Prices cannot be beat -- each of these were only $8! Both were delicious -- well seasoned and just overall very good. I'll probably become a regular here...

    (5)

  • Kayci S.

    Their mango jicama salad is amazing!!!! The location is relatively small so you may have to wait to be seated but it is worth it. If you don't like waiting they offer takeout which is just as good and might be a better option for parties of 7 or more. I have not had anything here that I have been unhappy with and they have free chips and salsa for those who dine in :)

    (5)

  • Vincent V.

    after a long day of work nothing beats a 1/4 dark with ricebeans and pico de gallo. Service is friendly, food is great and doesn't leave a dent in the wallet.

    (5)

  • Cheryl N.

    We were going to be in Rockville on a recent evening and looked for a restaurant serving Latin or South American food. Found La Brasa online and, after checking it out on Yelp and seeing the high rating, decided to give it a try. It was easy to find near the intersection of Twinbrook Pkwy and Parklawn Dr. Don't judge this place by its appearance. It's small and looks like a fast food place with a little parking lot in back. We entered through the side door and were concerned because it looked like it was only a carry-out place. While there were several staff members in the area where we entered, no one asked if we wanted a table. Looking to the right we saw ten or twelve tables and moved in that direction although we were unsure how this was going to be after all. We chose a table and from there on, it was all great! We were quickly greeted by another staff member with menus. He brought us a basket of crispy hot tortilla chips and salsa while we checked out the menu. For appetizers, we ordered the Yuca con Chicharron and the Mussels. Both were delicious! The mussels were so good we ordered another round! They had a wonderful ginger, garlic and herb broth that we all sopped up with the crispy light toasted bread that came with them. For our entrees, we had the Lomo Saltado, the Carne Asada and the Ropa Vieja. All the beef was deliciously seasoned and the accompanying sides were all very good. The service was terrific and although there were only a couple of other tables occupied while we were there, a number of people came in for carry-out. We expect this place does a good lunch business from all the office buildings around them. Highly recommend giving this place a try! We know we'll be back the next time we are in the area!

    (5)

  • Tri L.

    I rely heavily on Yelp to find places to eat, and usually its always reliable. I have NO IDEA why this place is rated so highly. Maybe since its a dive of a place the expectations drop? I'm really not sure. The chicken taquitos were deep fried to oblivion, dry, tasteless chicken served with OK guac and lettuce and tomatoes. A terrible dish. The Carne Asada was decent, meat was well seasoned and tender, but nothing out of the ordinary. The best of the dishes we tried, not saying much. Had a side of fried yuca, which were well fried and tasted good with the salsa. Chimichanga was like a bigger taquito, over fried with tasteless fillings. Someone compared this place to latin cuisine in southern cali, I have no idea how this comparison is even possible. Maybe I came on an off day, but I won't be going back to try again.

    (2)

  • Devika A.

    Fantastic Latin American food. Very family oriented and authentic. Their chicken and special sauce is incredible. The plantains and pico de gallo could have been better. The black beans and fries are also very good side dishes. Highly recommended. Also, very affordable.

    (4)

  • Miguel S.

    I love bringing my family to this restaurant for a casual dinner or lunch, my oldest daughter loves the steak with red sauce and onions, and we all love the rotisserie chicken. It is family run and they are always nice and welcoming. The restaurant is very clean.The prices are reasonable and very family friendly. I Highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Mimi C.

    I give it 5 stars...need I say more?

    (5)

  • Cody S.

    I got the Los saltado. It wasn't the best, but not bad at all. Also, they serve bottled sodas so no refills.

    (3)

  • Alek K.

    Went there Friday for lunch for the first time and sat outside. The view isnt great - its the industrial zone with a service station across the street, but the actual terrace was nice and with the nice weather it was actually pretty relaxing. Everything else was without reproach for this type of restaurant - its simple food, but prepared very well, the service was friendly and quick and the price was very reasonable. This is now my favorite Latin-American place in the area.

    (4)

  • Vee N.

    Service-could have been better. No hello or anything when we walked in. Lady on her cell came and placed the menu on our table and walked away. A waiter came and brought us water which was very quick and checked with us twice to see if we were ready to order. Then a waitress came and took our order when ready. Nothing special about her. I didnt get the warm feeling at all here. She only got a 15% tip. Food-just okay. Mixed veggies were too bland. Beans the same and the chicken was good. My wine was OK also, no complaint about that. Luckily I knew what I was selecting. Price-not bad. Paid $30 including tip for 2 people. I took some pictures of the food, it looked good but...... anyway, cant figure out how to load them on yelp.

    (2)

  • Purulent D.

    Consistently very good, and sometimes excellent.

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    Such a delightful surprise on Parklawn. Inside this little restaurant is a lovely setting, clean and warm with fantastic service and delicious food. I had the cuban dish MASITAS DE PUERCO. It was so flavorful and cooked just right. Big pieces of pork that are browned well, mixed with grilled onions and then topped with an incredible light sauce.....perfect jasmine rice and delicious plantains....I thought the black beans were great too. My daughter had the tongue tacos! Again, perfect and a treat. I found the Tres Leches to be one of the best I've had. The cake was thick and not too sweet so that it absorbs the creamy sweetness of the milk during it's 'marinade'....very good! Our waiter was quick, attentive and very helpful. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will be back to try some other things from their menu.

    (5)

  • Christian M.

    Located right next to the massive Health & Human Services building this place is pretty dwarfed. Nonetheless it was close to my home so I decided to drop in one day when I smelled the great foods. I usually always stick with the Pollo a la brasa which always does the trick for me. A good selection of sides as well. Their Lomo Saltado is pretty good as well. My only complaint was the portion size, I feel for that for the price a little more food could be added. The Sangria here was not the greatest but decent. As far as hospitality goes it's pretty average to good during lunch since people tend to pack the place and order carryout. Dinner service the hospitality is excellent.

    (5)

  • J S.

    My wife and I found this place by accident a few months ago when we were looking for a good Latin kitchen. Their chicharron appetizers is not what I expected; however, our chicken and beef entrees had a good food quality-price balance. The place has a comfortable Latin family kitchen atmosphere, and our meal ended with a delicious tres leches dessert. We are definitely coming back for the rotisserie chicken!

    (4)

  • Gabi L.

    Love this place. Went in there the other day and got Frijole y Queso Pupusas and my entree was Ropa Vieja. It was amazingly good, however, the Ropa Vieja was a little bit salty for my taste, and I'm the type to pack salt on my food. Other then that...to die for! My lover got Carne Asada and I loved the taste of it. Tasted healthy and fresh. Loved their horchata! Def will go back again and again.

    (5)

  • Eric B.

    Went back the other night and had: Pork with fried yucca appetizer. Really enjoyed this app. Pork was tasty and the yucca steaming hot and crispy and delicious slathered in the sauce, or their green hot sauce. Lomo. My wife got the lomo. We both liked it. I thought it was really good, but if I'm going with the beef, I'm getting the ropa vieja. And the winner is, Pan fired trout: Wow. This blew away my expectations, and is now my go-to entre at La Brasa. I got the one with shrimp. The fish was cooked well and the flavor did not overpower the fish. Sauce again the perfect compliment, but I didn't really get into it that much. Very nice.

    (5)

  • Peter L.

    Love it! The food is great and I am there twice a week for either dinner or lunch...life is great!

    (5)

  • Janine G.

    I truly am a lover of Salvadorean and Peruvian food (I am Salvy and married to a Peruvian). I love the mixture of cuisine's here, it's definitely strange, but I love it. I think it's a trend that is growing, the previous looks to be dying (Salvadorean & Mexican). The owner I deal with is always very attentive (haven't dealt with the wife yet). The location is so hard to find, you have to drive 10 mph to see them when driving down Parklawn. The parking is sufficient. I don't mind that it's gravel (unless I'm wearing heels) but this isn't a dress up kinda place so no heels needed, it's a casual sit down sorta restaurant. What I love is the open kitchen, I ordered (to-go) pupusas, platanos fritos and carne asada. I absolutely loved watching the lady make it all on demand, nothing gets warmed up here. Watching her make the pupusas brought back so many wonderful memories of my summers in the countryside of El Salvador (where nothing is premade). I also witnessed a seafood soup being made from scratch. The best part is when you finally dig into the food, not every plate is a hit, but most are amazing. I think they do much better on their Salvadorean food than the Peruvian. The pupusas (try the beans one!) and platano's fritos (platanos fritos), however I wished these came with Salvadorean Dairy Cream, are enough for me to go there everyday. Can't forget the tamales de maiz (corn tamales), those are delish too! In all honesty, I would come here every day if I could. It's a tough tie between this place and La Limena for my #1 favorite restaurant in Rockville. What are you waiting for, just go!

    (5)

  • Maggie F.

    This is the highest rated restaurant in Rockville, so I had to give it a go. Ordered the Taquitos de Pollo for appetizers. Not bad in taste, though the chicken was rather dry. Other than that, it was alright dipping it with sour cream, salsa and guac. Average dish. My friend got the Chicken Enchilladas, which wasn't too bad. Came in a huge plate, and big portions always bring me delight. Came with rice I believe. I got me the big boy Carne Asada. Beef was well marinated... though I would've preferred it to be less tough. Complimented with rice. The strings of potatoes (fries) were the best part of the meal. That I truly enjoyed them because all the sauce was drenched into it, and every bite was flavorful. I think I'll visit again, because I didn't get the whole experience of it all, hence I wasn't blown away enough to provide a 5 star. So AHOY! Watch for my update!

    (4)

  • Lizette H.

    The sides are so small... 2 sides equals one in reality! they are a rip off! The servers couldn't stop rollong her eyes, and when I asked to speak to the supervisor, I told her about how her advertisement on the sides were inaccurate she pointed to the wall where prices for sides were located, and said, "here is the price if you want more fries" Customer service was horrible, I never was treated this way in any restaurant I have been to. Horrible just horrible!

    (1)

  • Michael J.

    My wife and I ate here for the first time yesterday evening. I had the Ceviche for an appetizer and last night's special, the Carne Asada with two grilled shrimp, for my main course. The Ceviche was very good. The Carne Asada was one of the best, if not the best I have ever had. It was very moist and flavorful. I also had the Sangria, which was quite good. My wife had the Papusas for an appetizer and the Lomo Saltado for her main course. She said that both were excellent.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    Diamond in the Rough.... althougth not quite a diamond... and not really the rough... just the middle of nowhere. My girlfriends office just moved to town, and we were looking for a quick bite. This place did the trick. Nothing spectacular (Although i didn't have the chicken) but the steak tacos were delicious, filling, and inexpensive. My girlfriends cheese quesadilla left something to be desired, but hey, it's better than one of the carry-outs.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I was introduced to La Brasa by a friend. I don't know where to start. 1. The food is delicious. Now days is so hard to find a place where that cooks fresh food, for an affordable price. 2. The experience: They have picked the right music. I love to go eat there and enjoy some great music while I am eating. The music is very low, but it sets a great mood. 3. The people: I love the waiters, and waitresses. They all work as a family and they treat the customers like family. 4. The owners: I love the owners. They are a beautiful, hard working couple. Lucy has a great heart. I enjoy talking to her. I recommend this place for everyone who wants to enjoy some delicious food for an affordable price, and still get an amazing dinning experience.

    (5)

  • Jack M.

    Awesome food. The lomo salteado was excellent. Masitas details puerco was also excellent.

    (5)

  • Karen E.

    La Brasa is my favorite Latin restaurant in the area because the food is authentic and delicious! I had driven by the restaurant so many times but never noticed it because it isn't in a retail area. It's in a random spot next to the HHS Parklawn building. If you weren't looking for it and don't work in the immediate area, you probably wouldn't know it was there. The dining room isn't very big and the restaurant is never that busy on weeknights. I've never had to wait for a table and the food never takes that long. Of the dishes I've had, the absolute best is the Bistec Encebollado. I've read other Yelp reviews which say the best thing on the menu is the Carne Asada, but I must disagree. Although delicious, the Carne Asada just isn't as awesome as the Bistec Encebollado. The fajitas are better here than anywhere else I've ordered before. The pupusas are also great. They aren't greasy and each type is delicious, although I'm more likely to order the revueltas or loroco. The salad dressing they serve with the salad that comes on the side of some of the entrees is the best salad dressing I've ever had in my life. I have no idea what's in it, but whatever it is, it's great!

    (5)

  • Kevin W.

    Wow. This place rocks. I saw so many great reviews, so I had to check this out. I went on a busy weeknight, and had to wait for around 20 mins to get a table. I figured there must be a reason why. I got the lomo saltado and it was incredible. I took my girlfriend a few days later, and we both loved our meals again. The owner is very friendly, and the service is great. I will definitely go here again. It is affordable, local, and tasty. Love it.

    (5)

  • Caroline G.

    There probably aren't that many reviews of this place because it is tucked away off of Parklawn, near the HHS buildings. Checked it out tonight for dinner at a friend's recommendation, and it was worth it! The taquitos are packed with meat, the ceviche is all fresh fish (with 2 pieces of yuca (first time i've had it with yuca), revueltas pupusas (pork and cheese) were made to perfection, and the masitas came with fried plantainnssssss yyyyyeeeeeaaa boyyyyy. Maybe i was just hungry, who knows!

    (4)

  • J W.

    Holy crap this place is amazing! I'm here with my wife right now and the tres leches is so good that I'm ignoring her to write this review. Granted, I'm writing with one hand and eating with the other, but still... Amazing!

    (5)

  • Tina C.

    Can I say Yummiee Yummiee! I was recommended to this cozy little latin place by a co-worker and boy was I glad that I got a chance to try this place out! Me and my boyfriend tried the chicken and it came with 3 sides! The sides were large and full filling! We also got pupusas and it is one of the best pupusas that I have ever tried! It is very fresh and I know because I witness the lady making it! Within a week, we been there twice already, and the second time we had carne asada! MMmz! We will definitely be regulars now! Like other posters said, this place is tricky to find! P.S: the owner is great and friendly! It was our first time there and he was really patient! He also gave us a take out menu so we would be able to call in our orders the next time!

    (5)

  • Sathish P.

    The food is great and would go there again. One thing to note is that Chips and Salsa ($3) is not free or complimentary. But that is not a big deal because the food is great, the price is not bad and place is clean.

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    The live music is as authentic as the food. Family owned and run, this spot is an unexpected delight. I have been twice, the first time I got surf and turf, by recomendation of the owner Lucy. It consisted of one nice sized linter tail, steak and side o your choice ( mixed veg was my choice). Cheapest price you can get lobster around. The next time I want I for the half chicken, I would compare the preparation of the chicken to crisp and juicy but with better sauce. I also have tried the ceviche and it is great plus it comes with yucca. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • SteeVee D.

    Don't drive too fast down Parklawn Drive in Rockville or you'll pass this GEM of a restaurant. It's location is a little odd, but once you find La Brasa you won't be disappointed and you WILL come back! Warmly decorated, this lovely little restaurant boasts some of the friendliest staff and best Latin cuisine around town. The ingredients are always fresh (something the owner, Lucy, is very proud of) and every dish has a nice homemade feel to it. The seafood dishes really shine. The rotisserie chicken is fantastic! The desserts (all made in-house) are very very good. There is also a fine selection of wine and Mexican beers to compliment the fine Latin fare. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at La Brasa!

    (5)

  • John Z.

    I love this hole in the wall place. Great atmosphere, clean, and great service.

    (4)

  • Paul D.

    Family owned and run place... Probably one of the most authentic Latin restaurants in the area. Kind of a hole in the wall kind of place b/c it's hidden... but I think it's one of the best kept secrets! Everything is so good here especially the Ceviche and Tres Leches! It's game over when you order any one of those. You can't go wrong with La Brasa. Excellent service, affordable prices, great atmosphere and awesome food!

    (5)

  • J K.

    I was excited to try out this place because I would not have normally found it. It's a standalone building in an awkward location, but it does have its own parking. Service was good. I probably should have tried the masitas de puerco, but I went with the lengua dish (beef tongue) which was a bit watery and bland (it would benefit from a heavier sauce). I also ordered the pollo which was very tasty. Overall, I'd go back again.

    (3)

  • Dorrie H.

    Maybe dine in is better.

    (3)

  • Laura G.

    Everything was cooked perfectly including the jasmine rice and beans. The salsa had kick without interfering with the spices. Everyone loved the freshness. Tres leche cake great not too sweet. The ice tea was strong and good - so often not the case. Loom Salgado tender and the sauce yum. Service was always right on time.

    (5)

  • David M.

    Based on the strength of the reviews we decided last night to stop driving past this place on a semi regular basis and actually go inside and give it a try. Great idea.... This was probably the best dinner experience we've had since moving to DC, all things considered: Location, service, price, and food quality. As I understand from other reviews, this is a family run place. It has that feel. The folks who took care of us were all very friendly and very generous. Attentive, but not overly so. The food was awesome. I had the carne asada and it was probably the best tasting piece of beef I've ever eaten. My wife had the chicken (she got a half, knowing I'd steal my fair share!). Both were really, really good. I'd been dying for some good meat. MEAT, I tell ya. This hit the nail on the head for me. I'm going to have a heck of a time straying from the carne asada whenever I go there. The chicken was great, too. I love a good rotisserie chicken, and these guys nailed it. The sides you should consider are the yuca fries and definitely the fried plantains. Both were great. I also liked the salsa they provide with some chips. It had a nice smokey taste to it. And overall, the price was hard to beat. We had 2 entrees and two apps (a tamale special and a pupusa) and our check was under $25. Had we been at some of the other places we've eaten at, that check would've been double and the food not as tasty. My only knock is the parking. There's a little bit of parking that's paved alongside the restaurant, and then a gravel pit in back. Not a big deal for me, but I could see some folks getting irked by it. I'm glad this place is close to us. I plan to try them for carry out on gym nights (MEAT!). I plan to tell friends about them, too.

    (5)

  • Rani F.

    The lomo saltado and carne asada are the way to go. The ceciche is an awesome appetizer...nice big portion! We're taking the flan to go because we're so stuffed. It's a hole in the wall, but very clean and worth driving a little out of the way. Friendly staff :)

    (4)

  • Pete D.

    Simply delicious! This particular review is for the carry-out we got. However, we will definitely revisit this place and sit here to devour the food fresh from their open kitchen, yes, open kitchen. We arrived at an odd hour of the afternoon, let's just say it was an early dinner, but there were a few tables inside of this 25 person restaurant. We arrived at the counter, asked for some recommendations, and placed our order. Pupusas - One chicken and queso, the other pork and queso. Both were good, but I can't say it was awesome. I would say they were if I had them in the restaurant because I know where was a nice crispy crust on the outside of the corn tortilla-like flat bread. Carne Asada - Wifey and I had this and man, did I enjoy it (I can still taste it as I'm typing this). The steak is marinated so well, very tender, and dripping with oh my goodness love. This is a must try and I highly recommend it. Roto Chicken - A nice crispy crust on the outside and done well. Pretty tasty and has a nice dry rub to it. The sauces that it's served with are decent, I've had better elsewhere. Another quick comment to the carne asada is that I typically would get the lomo saltado if it's on the menu, but the server recommended the carne asada so I went with it. Man, were they correct. Great choice and again, recommended. The roto chicken came with a chicken tortilla soup which was decent, nothing special here. It also was served with some cole slaw which was also mediocre. The other dishes are served with white rice and pico de gallo. Both side items were good. Here's a tip, if you don't care for the two sides it comes with, ask the server to change it up for you. They have a wall of sides to choose from. We'll definitely be back and I can't wait to try the other items on their menu. Again, not a large restaurant and kind of tucked away. There is parking in the back, so don't be worried if the initial area is full as you pull into the lot.

    (4)

  • M D.

    Had a great late lunch here with an old friend. I wanted to try the chicken after seeing the yelp reviews but instead opted for the roast pork (which might have been a special since I don't see it on their online menu). The food was great, although the back beans were a bit uninspired but I loved the pork and the plantains. Since my friend was late we missed the lunch crowd that looked pretty formidable and by the end of our meal we had the place pretty much to ourselves, But no one frowned at us for staying way too long after our meal catching up. (Thanks for that!)

    (4)

  • Wesley T.

    Definitely the best food in the area (very few choices anyway..). Service is a little slow, but its pretty casual. The chicken and the lomo saltado are great. The pupusas are also great.

    (5)

  • Kimberly D.

    La brass is an excellent place to have lunch if you are in Rockville. The staff is excellent, and the food is always delicious....try the rotisserie chicken, steak tacos, or steak enchiladas....sooooooo good my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

    (5)

  • David P.

    Boom. You are now in America Latina. You start with yuca rellena. You're intrigued at how delicious stuffed yuca can be. Lomo saltado. Wow -- flavourful & delicious. Trucha frita. A delicious piece of fish with just the right amount of seasoning. You have another drink of your Maracuya drink or your Negra Modelo... yes, you're in love with Latin food again (despite many other local Latino restarurants trying their best to ruin that love). What the heck, let's have a banana empanada! Boom.

    (5)

  • Michael B.

    This place seems a bit over-hyped to me. The carne asada was dry and not particularly flavorful. Rice and pico were interesting, and Inca Kola was a great find (I'll have to look for that in other places...), but I was expecting much more from the prior reviews. I was going to try the Tres Leches, which looked very tempting, but there's a lot of "touch the raw meat, then make cake without washing" stuff going on in here and it made me uncomfortable getting anything that wasn't cooked.

    (2)

  • Duy N.

    first time i've been here. first time i had pupusas or lomo saltado. pupusas are ok, but i need to try more places to get a better feel for the dish. the lomo saltado was pretty good. it's a dish comprising strips or sirloin marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and spices with tomatoes, red onions, and parsley served over french fires with rice according to wiki, which is pretty accurate. it was pretty good all in all. i'd like to try some other dishes here. 3.5 stars oh yeah, the ambiance. it's a nice place in the middle of parklawn. it's the most random site ever, but inside is nice and welcoming. definitely a gem.

    (4)

  • Barry S.

    The flavor is truly "as good as it gets." When I was growing up ... I would starve myself waiting until about 7:30pm when a Spanish friend's parents would finally get home ... finish chores ... and make a nice home cooked meal. THIS IS THAT MEAL. The Sopa De Pollo had the perfect amount of flavor. The Lomo Saltado was flavorful down to the last drippings (which perfectly drenched the rice). The Tacos al Carbon (while a bit pricey ... two tacos for $9.50?) were also excellent. We also tried the chicken which was rated as "good" to "great" by our table. The only reason we don't give this five stars is it was a wee bit pricey for what we got. Flavor is five stars for sure. If though it's out of the way ... go get it ... enjoy!

    (4)

  • Andy W.

    Thoroughly enjoyed our evening at La Brasa. I picked this based on Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The "ambience" is basically school cafeteria (a.k.a. non-existent), but the drink and food are delicious. We had a pitcher of Sangria and couldn't even finish it. Delicious and almost bottomless. Corn chips were crunchy and almost meaty -- delicious -- although the salsa was a little on the watery side. Appetizer was Ceviche, with a very generous helping of large chunks of white fish. I'm more accustomed to shrimp in Ceviche, but this tasted just as expected and we ate it all. Dinner was trout and flank steak. Both were excellent, prepared to taste, and accompanied by appropriate and tasty sides. The service was appropriate -- prompt but non-intrusive. The bill for all of that was about $52 before tip, so very reasonable. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Josh G.

    Great food and friendly service! And if you are remotely deterred by one of the posters who said this is too white, beyond being an incredibly stupid and narrow minded comment, I can attest that there was every nationality represented during our visit. Great food knows no color. Must try if you want something simple and delicious.

    (5)

  • Theo T.

    What a gem.. Great food and ambience is good too. Though the dining area is pretty small, the set-up seems better suited for small groups and families. Only did take-out tonight, but we tried the following: Lomo soltado - never had it before but it was great. Meat was tender and succulent, marinade and accompaniments were also on point Sopa de res - for those in the area familiar with La Casita, I would say La Brasa's is even better than there's. More meat + less grease = one happy Yelper

    (5)

  • MA X.

    Just wanted to share an importnat update... You know how some places feel great the first time you visit, but you come back and it is not the same... Let me tell you, this place is so consistently good, I would bet my money on it... Came back recently and was wowed all over again... Don't skip the tres leches folks.

    (5)

  • Paveena S.

    I have been going here for years! They never disappoint!! Everything I have gotten here is delicious. And the customer service is outstanding! They already know what I want!! My favorite is the lomo saltado.

    (5)

  • Anne K.

    A great local non-chain restaurant! We enjoy taking out and eating in here, especially since they have been so welcoming when we bring our toddler for a meal. They have been incredibly thoughtful to offer to bring her food first to keep her happy, as well as give me and my husband a chance to eat our food, too. The food is yummy--I really like the shrimp entree or the quarter chicken with two sides (the yuca being a given). My husband is partial to the plantains. I definitely recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    Exceptional service. I've never had a dish that I don't love. Definitely coming back.

    (5)

  • Here I.

    This restaurant is a gem. It is worth 5-stars for what it is - a local family-owned place serving authentic latin food. Everyone in the family loves their carne asada - crispy and flavorful but still tender on the inside. The chicken is great, and the kids eat as much of the rice and beans as we order. The Flan and Tres Leches cake are both worth saving a little room for. When we go as a family we share one piece of each as no one can decide which they like better! Makes me believe in the underdog! They have always been great with my kids. They could probably accomodate a group of 8 or so, but not a really big group. We have always just dropped in, I am not sure if they even take reservations.

    (5)

  • Paige W.

    La Brasa is amazing! A heads up though- it can be easy to drive by and miss. When you are on Parklawn, keep an eye out for the restaurant. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but the inside of this place is adorable. It is a sit down restaurant with an intimate setting. I came here with a friend, but it would be great for a date night. Because it is family owned, it has that nice touch that you don't find at busy chain restaurants. The good is great. I ordered the veggie empanadas. The staff is understanding of any dietary restrictions and assured me that the rice and beans were vegetarian (no chicken broth added). I like that the rice, beans, and pico de gallo were included as sides. You get a good amount of food at a reasonable price. Thumbs up for great service, food, and atmosphere. It is a small restaurant but is worth checking out.

    (5)

  • April M.

    They always get it right! I find it amazing how so many larger companies strive for greatness yet fall short... They need to take a page out of La Brasa's handbook. What they are known for is their coal roasted chicken that permeates the entire block. As a new diner you must go for that. However, on your second visit... Because there will be a second visit.... You must try their other speciality dishes. Some include fried trout, soupa de pollo, mariscos con arroz, carne asada, and the most amazing lomo saltado! Hats off to the men and women behind the amazing food! I have been there so many times, along with my family and they have never disappointed. The owner is amazing and his children who are serving there are polite and welcoming.

    (5)

  • Ronald L.

    Came here for a dinner get-together on a Monday night and it was pleasantly busy. A very good sign for a restaurant. I ordered the beef tongue platter and it was delicious. It was served with steamed medley of vegetables and seasoned rice. The beef tongue was served as 4 medallions with a gravy. The tongue was tender and chewy in texture. If you've never had tongue before, it's similar to the texture of a clam. The gravy was rich and savory with beef flavor. Rice was seasoned with butter and sprinkled with cilantro. The steamed veggies were perfectly seasoned and not over steamed. Everything was very good and I would definitely recommend this place.

    (4)

  • Ruth S.

    After finding La Brasa on Yelp, we decided to give it a try. We felt as though we had walked into a little piece of heaven (Well, any Latin restaurant that serves home-made Horchata is a winner with me!) The place is small and was packed. We waited for about 15 minutes at the counter watching the cooks prepare the food on their large industrial stoves. Once seated, the service was slow. But we were there to relax, and the customers at the other tables were friendly and were enjoying themselves. We got the fajitas. Fajitas for two was one order with more tortillas, beans, rice and guacamole added for an additional portion. This made the meal very affordable. Our bill was under $25. At any other restaurant, the fajitas would have been double the price. Of course, the portion was smaller and was just enough for us both to share. We can't wait to go back. It was so relaxed, friendly and happy. . . . It felt like we were in one of our favorite restaurants in New Mexico, not in Maryland. And, Stephanie D. not everyone in the restaurant was white. How inappropriate for you to say that! You should be ashamed!

    (5)

  • Kyle S.

    I have lost track of the amount of times that I have dined at La Brasa. It is always the first restaurant that I go to when I am in the Rockville area. The only knocks against it is the ambience and the slow service. However, the food more than makes up for it. I have had almost every item on the menu and honestly you cannot go wrong. My personal favorites are the Lomo Saltado and the Chicken Enchiladas. It's delicious and always a good time!

    (5)

  • Emile H.

    The food is delicious--standard Mexican fare done very well. Nothing too creative but there is no need when the quality is high. I usually get the vegetarian burrito. The big down side is that the wait is very very long. Do not go if you have anywhere to be later on.

    (4)

  • Kelley D.

    Cozy location tucked away behind parklawn. Very local feel though service can be a bit slow. We waited a good 10 min before server acknowledged is and came to take our orders. Lots of dishes to select from: Lomo saltado, ropa vieja, Peruvian chicken, etc. The bisteca was perfectly marinated and quite tender. Carne asada looked quite delicious as well. Felt the rice was just slightly a bit on the al dente side. Overall great spot to get your South American grub on.

    (4)

  • R Q.

    Great food. It's in this weird place where it's a good price for a sit down restaurant but a bit pricey for fast food but the food is phenomenal. Terrific seasoning and they cook the meats perfectly. It absolutely deserves its reputation here on Yelp

    (5)

  • Jenny L.

    Have been a loyal customer since we moved to the area! A great place to get a good, affordable meal with great service. Food: - enchiladas: very good, cheesy and not too overpowering - fajitas: great value and good amount of food, you can even share it for a satisfying meal - pupusas: cheesy, yummy goodness - rotisserie chicken: good but not mind blowing, would opt for crisp and juicy instead. Everyone is always so nice and quick in terms of service and food is always reliable :) I'm a fan!

    (5)

  • J G.

    I went here for dinner on Wednesday night, and only went because of how good the ratings were on yelp. Every part of the experience exceeded my expectations, and I will be returning again soon. I ordered a beef chimichanga, chicken appetizer(forget the name), red and white sangria, and tres leches. Each item had tremendous flavor and pretty good presentation. Here is my pros and cons: Pros: - food quality, taste and presentation - price - sangria - parking - customer service Cons: - location is relatively hidden - inside is kindve small Overall, I have found my new favorite Spanish restaurant. I cannot wait to return.

    (5)

  • Robert C.

    Probably the best Latin American restaurant in the area. The place isn't that big and can be cramped at times, however the food's worth it! Lomo Saltado ($10sh) - Sirloin Strips marinated in Vinegar; stir fried with Red Onions, Tomatoes. Served with French Fries (more like potato wedges) & Rice. Probably 1 of the best Lomo Saltado I've had. The sirloin's marinated really well and it just blends so well with the other ingredients. If you're a fan of dish that's a bit sour, this is def for you. Carne Asada ($10sh) - Grilled Marinated Steak; comes with 1 flour Tortilla, Salsa, Lime & Rice. This is also good, even though I like the lomo saltado better since it has more flavors/ingredients incorporated in it. All the rice in this place's really delicious, perhaps they put coconut essence in them? Overall - Portion's decent; price's affordable. Food's awesome, I highly recommend the Lomo Saltado! The servers're really friendly and attentive, the food comes out quick. You also get free chips and salsa dip, so take advantage!!!

    (4)

  • Alberto B.

    Exceptional food and wonderful warm service. Being Cuban I hesitate to eat any Latin food outside of Florida. But la brassa more than met my expectations.

    (5)

  • Sivan B.

    Obsessed with this place!!! The food is amazing, the people are SO sweet, and the atmosphere and music is great.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    I had my first la brasa experience today, and it was delightful. The welcoming atmosphere was only exceeded by the pleasant demeanor of the staff. Upon receiving our appetizers one of the chefs suggested we incorporate some of the sweet salsa into the dish and he could not have been more correct. Following that insight I abandoned my menu choice to take the server up on the recommendation of the fried trout. Again my faith in the staff paid off in spades. The whole fish was split along the spine and deboned with precision. I cannot heap enough praise on my experience today, I look forward to dropping in for a takeout chicken next time I am pressed for time by the hanger. All in all I look forward to incorporating a new restaurant into my rotation, and encourage everyone else to give La Barasa a chance.

    (5)

  • Maria C.

    This place is awesome!!! We got there 5 min before closing and the owner still graciously welcomed us with open arms. Food was great. Service even better.

    (5)

  • Marci S.

    Started with some pupusas- a variety and they were delicious! Also had some yuca with chicharrón that was spectacular. Dinner was spectacular: bistec encebollado, masitas de puerco, ropa vieja y sopa de pollo. Every dish was prepared perfectly and was very authentic. Glad we were able to treat them to a yummy dinner!

    (5)

  • Safa M.

    Quality meat. Inexpensive. What else one needs to know? It's a bit difficult to find the location.

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    I moved to MD from NYC, where you can find authentic cuisine from all corners of the world, I was a bit skeptical about how well local restaurants here would match up. My plan was to find my "go-to" spot for every kind of food I enjoy. When it comes to Latin American food, I struck gold on the first try. La Brasa....wow! Just fantastic. Love the decor and ambience. The restaurant is clean and well decorated and still manages to have a laid back vibe. I've been there twice now and both times was quite pleased with my meal. Well seasoned, served hot...and with a smile! You can't ask for much more.

    (5)

  • Deb G.

    Holy crap this place is awesome!! My friend and I waited for a table to open up on a cold, snowy February night. Once we got seated, we began with excellent chips and salsa, and I had a well-made horchata. We ordered two pupusas - cheese and revueltas. They came out pretty promptly for pupusas (I'm always prepared to wait for them!) and boy, were they good. I ate all the crunchy, cheesey goodness that had oozed out of the cheese pupusa - yum!!! I wish I had asked for some more of the pickled cabbage on the side though. We then shared the lomo saltado and the ropa vieja, as we were both in a beef-y mood. The lomo saltado was great - the steak was seasoned and cooked so well! And the ropa vieja was so very good, melting in your mouth. I was also impressed by the plantains, which were so delicious. The only downer note in dinner were the beans, which totally lacked in flavor. Unfortunately, the downhill slide continued with the tres leches cake. The server said it was the best dessert in the place...if so, they should stop making dessert. The fake whipped cream, the dry cake, it just wasn't so good. Next time I'll just have the horchata for dessert.

    (4)

  • Nina H.

    This is one of my favorite places to eat. The civiche is just fantastic. The chicken is made daily, and tastes delicious. Unlike some places around here, the chicken is neither greasy nor dry, its just perfect. I have never had a problem with the food or the service. The staff is friendly. The only problem is when you get take out. I have gotten take out from here a few times, but the wait has been horrible. La Brasa is a much better experience if you dine in. The parking lot is really small, and some of the guests tend to double park, aside from that, this place is great.

    (4)

  • Tracy T.

    I decided to try this place for lunch after reading the reviews, and I love Latin food. I really wanted the chicken, but I was already having that for dinner, so I went with the recommended carne asada, and it was delicious! My boyfriend had the half chicken, which he enjoyed, but he wasn't happy with the coleslaw and yukka.

    (4)

  • Shaun P.

    La Brasa is by far the best Latin American cuisine you will get in the entire metropolitan area. I wish this La Brasa would open in Northern Virginia! The family that owns and runs La Brasa are very humble people and they want you to genuinely enjoy your time and homemade Spanish cuisine. Everything on the menu is outstanding. If I had to pick my favorites, the Gambas Al Ajillo, Brasa Salad, Carne Asada, Bistec Encebollado and Tres Leches cake, all very OUTSTANDING dishes to try! The only gripe I have is La Brasa is a true hidden gem, take it slow on Parklawn Dr. otherwise you'll be bound to miss it. Lastly, parking is limited and seating can get a little cramped on very busy evenings.

    (5)

  • Alexander K.

    After a gym session we came here to try this establishment since the yelp rating was so high. Overall, I feel that it was a good experience but definitely not a 5 star experience as many of these yelp ratings suggest. 5 stars should truly be reserved for very special restaurants, not just "good" restaurants. I ordered the carne asada, my girlfriend had the lomo saltado, we shared camarones a la plancha, tres leches, and plantain empanadas. The flavor of the carne asada was satisfactory, however the beef itself was a bit sinewy resulting in a laborious effort with my knife. The jasmine rice that came with it was done well. My girlfriend enjoyed the lomo saltado which I got to taste a few bites of, and there was nothing wrong with it. Again, the beef in this instance was a bit tough in my opinion. The grilled (butterflied) shrimp dish was satisfactory as well, no complaints here. The deciding factor as far as this rating is concerned was the dessert: tres leches. What a great cake; the sponge layers of the cake were perfectly over-saturated with milk, while sitting in a pool of condensed milk and topped off with cream and a dusting of powdered cocoa. An overall great mouth-feel and a dessert I would gladly order again. The plantain empanadas were just "ok".

    (4)

  • Maria L.

    The papusa lorocco is so tasty! It is much better than the regular queso one. The staff is very friendly and the steak fajitas is good for sharing. Will come back :)

    (5)

  • Alex Y.

    Small Restaurant, BIG TASTE. I decided to give this place a try because I was in the area and I've always heard about it and never bothered to seek it out (Sardi's is usually my go to). Jesus christ this place is small and constantly crowded. Not a bad thing because all the food that came out of that small kitchen was absolutely delicious. Best part? My bill for two people came out to be 22 dollars. Honest to god this place is amazing. I will definitely be going back again.

    (5)

  • Emma O.

    I loved it here! I'm new to the area and was looking for a place that served Salvadoran dishes and this was definitely it. The waitress was so nice and the owner made sure we had a good experience. I felt as if I was back home eating with my family. The food was authentic, I had pupusas and chicken tamales, followed by the sweet empanadas for dessert. Ugh, I'm hungry just thinking about it. Will be coming back soon!

    (5)

  • Mike K.

    Nice little fam owned pollo a la brasa. Not the freshness of Sardi's but very tasty. Suggestion: shrimp and squid in the ceviche would make me order it twice.

    (4)

  • Amanda S.

    I have been to La Brasa for lunch and now dinner. My husband and I dined here on a Saturday night. It was crowded (not very much seating inside) and we had to wait for about 15 minutes. Not bad. We had cheese pupusas for a starter. They were hot and fresh. I had the sautéed shrimp for entrée. It was very nice with a hint of white wine in the sauce. The shrimp were large and flavorful. It came with white rice and salad. My husband had the carne asada. He really enjoyed it, said the flavoring was delicious but the only downside was that the portion was a bit small. That came with rice. We also order a side of fried yucca which were also very good. I would highly recommend this establishment. Great, friendly service as well as delicious food. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Felix D.

    Great rotisserie chicken dish, really filled me up. Just do not agree on the tilapia dish price, not enough food for that price.

    (3)

  • Steve J.

    So good. Ceviche & mango jicama salad with beautiful citrus flavors, salmon sweet & delicious. Service as friendly as can be. I'll be back whenever I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Lady Phade 1.

    Good food - Lomo Soltado (Chicken & Beef) were both AMAZING - Great flavor - Portions could be a bit larger - especially the rice - They only give you one little tiny scoop so that would be my only complaint

    (4)

  • PureClass M.

    It was absolutely an amazing meal and experience! We will definitely be back to visit the La Brasa Latin Cuisine restaurant. The enchiladas that both of us ordered were petite, but we were impressed with that. It was a meal also definitely pleasing to the eye! Loved it!

    (5)

  • Rose C.

    Consistently delicious food. My usual order: grilled shrimp. Everything else is just as good.

    (5)

  • Alan T.

    PROS: Consistently good. We've been going there for years. Great staff and great food. Try the La Brasa Salad with Salmon or Grilled Chicken. Rotisserie is great too! 5 out of 5 overall. CONS: Parking lot has tons of potholes and hasn't been re-paved in years. They really should fix that. Anyone agree?

    (5)

  • Mary Kate M.

    I'm going to start by saying good job to La Brasa for having such a high rating after 110 reviews. That speaks a loud that your customers overall love you and that your restaurant generally is satisfying. I wish I could continue on with the 4 and 5 star reviews, but my experience seemed lacking for what it was. I came here with my old college friend Matt. He relocated to the area recently, and we decided to catch up for old time sake. He worked in the area hence why this was our meeting point. We started out with water. Matt had ordered a soda, however, it was about half way through the meal that they brought it to him even after a reminder. We both ordered the Lomo Saltado which comes with onions, rice, their rendition of the potato part was fries, and steak. Though Matt and I both enjoyed the dish for what it was, I still felt the meal, the service, and price of the meal was mediocre. You pay $10.50 for the meal and get very little for what you pay for. Service could have been 50 times better. The venue is a small place so it would be pretty hard to forget about your customers. As far as the food goes, I think it was okay. I feel they could give you more bang for your buck. Next time if I do come here, I hope to have an overall better experience.

    (3)

  • Gustavo H.

    This Pan-American restaurant spreads itself too thin across one too many regions. If you're Peruvian, or if you're familiar with comida criolla, you'll probably be underwhelmed, e.g. shredded lettuce in the ceviche, no sweet potato, bitter leche de tigre, etc..., chicharron and yuca frita is also a bit off the mark, but tasty nonetheless. The lomo saltado was fair. Again, if your reference point for Latin food is Mexican, then there's plenty of that and more.

    (3)

  • Caroline L.

    Yummmm. I love Chipotle's rice and this comes close. Have only gone twice and tried their lomo saltado that everyone was raving about. It definitely was worth it. I tried their carne asada the second time and it was pretty good - perhaps a bit overcooked. Tried their tres leches which might have been my favorite one so far. It's a tiny restaurant but very popular so you might have to wait during peak hours. Parking is also a bit tight.

    (4)

  • KB L.

    I've driven the stretch of road by Twin Brook Metro dozens of times and never noticed La Brasa. I was fortunate to have read the reviews and made it my lunch destination. Great food, especially the carne-dishes. Friendly staff. Ambiance is good for its off-the-beaten track location. Parking is tight with the strong lunch crowd and many construction projects going on in the area.

    (5)

  • Dennis A.

    I have been there since day 1 .... This is the best restaurant in Rockville area !!! Try the Masitas, my favorite dish! Everybody is so friendly there, the food is always fresh and yamyy !!!

    (5)

  • Angie R.

    I always enjoy to come here! The food and the service are excellent . 100% recommend it. I love the tacos al carbon. Really good , love it

    (5)

  • Purulent D.

    Consistently very good, and sometimes excellent.

    (4)

  • Bryan J.

    This place is wicked. Get there before noon or after to avoid the lunch crowd, as it gets SLAMMED.

    (4)

  • Alicia R.

    La Brasa has consistently fresh and delicious food. I've been quite a few times and enjoyed the food immensely. Service is always good, too. I treated my mother, grandmother, and daughters to an early Mother's Day lunch on Wednesday and even my notoriously hard to please Grandmother loved everything! My only complaint is the fact that there is no baby changing station in the bathroom, which had me attempting such risky moves such as an In The Air Diaper Change. Phew.

    (5)

  • Gm L.

    Excellent food- excellent service. I Love La Brasa. Carne asada, Taquitos, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Seafood soup, Overall- everything is yummy.

    (5)

  • Paul G.

    I am Mexican. My wife is not. I have long sung the glories of Latino food, but have failed to impress her....until finding La Brasa. Seating is limited, but half of the parking lot is filled with people waiting for take-out. Everything on the menu is amazing...everything. This food puts the home cooking I was raised on to shame. Dining in, we had: Drink: Chilled Modelo. Appetizer: Taquitos. Entre: Chicken enchiladas, chicken quesadilla, split a mariscada soup. Tha mariscada was the best. It gave me food euphoria (AKA foodgasm) just eating it. The rush of endorphins and dopamine in my brain made me savor each bite/sip. It was THAT good. Next adventure here: Lengua, (beef tongue), rotisserie chicken, sangria. You will NOT be disappointed for either take-out or dining in.

    (5)

  • GT W.

    Very difficult place to find- a hole in the wall with a private dirt parking lot that Google maps will tell you is actually next door at an auto repair slash impound. Food took about 20 minutes to come out, so already a big downgrade from El Pollo Rico or Sardi's with similar food. Went for the Lomo Salteado though other things on the menu peeked my interest like ropa vieja and beef tongue. The dish was served with plain rice, excellent sauce and fresh parsley. Sauteed onions were great, fries underneath were small and bland. The portion of the whole dish was tiny compared to other Peruvian type places. Miniscule chunks of overcooked and sinewy beef disgraced the wonderful sauce. Looking out at others' dishes I saw unseasoned, steamed vegetables; lots of plain rice pilaf mounds, bagged iceberg salad. Overall, I was very underwhelmed and thought it was very much in the solid 3-star area. Would recommend other places given the type of food, price, and the wait.

    (3)

  • Frank B.

    Great food, great service. I ordered the fried pork, my friend ordered the steak... Both were outstanding. Make sure to start with the yuca rellenas!

    (4)

  • Nisha B.

    La brassa is everything my heart desires on a warm weekend with options of naps after. The food is comforting and homely. The service is outstanding. I loved the appetizer "Gambas". I could eat it for breakfast- honest. I enjoyed my tilapia so so much. And I Could drink a pitcher of that sangria. The husbands lomo something was excellent. I am waiting for my Tres leches now- yes I have over indulgence problems :)

    (5)

  • Doña R.

    Went for dinner to La brasa with my husband, inside was cosy and warm. We got the table ready to seat in less than a minute and ordered. We had ceviche, different to the peruvian one with some cuts of ginger, no aji or rocoto, but super fresh; roasted chicken, a little bit on the dry side but very good seasoned and lomo saltado, the beef was tender, the rice perfectly cooked, the hint of cilantro in the dish makes a big difference. We coming back to try more dishes. *Ceviche is a MUST if you like raw fish*

    (4)

  • Theo T.

    What a gem.. Great food and ambience is good too. Though the dining area is pretty small, the set-up seems better suited for small groups and families. Only did take-out tonight, but we tried the following: Lomo soltado - never had it before but it was great. Meat was tender and succulent, marinade and accompaniments were also on point Sopa de res - for those in the area familiar with La Casita, I would say La Brasa's is even better than there's. More meat + less grease = one happy Yelper

    (5)

  • MA X.

    Just wanted to share an importnat update... You know how some places feel great the first time you visit, but you come back and it is not the same... Let me tell you, this place is so consistently good, I would bet my money on it... Came back recently and was wowed all over again... Don't skip the tres leches folks.

    (5)

  • Lhynette C. A.

    I got the masitas de puerco. Cubed pork morsels sauteed with onions, with rice. The little pork pile on my plate was very tender and delicious! It was very, very tender and juicy! It had a good fat-meat ratio in every bite. I especially liked the flavor of the onions, it was crispy and it added a good kick to the perfectly grilled pork. The dish also came with rice and black beans. As much as i did loved the masitas de puerco...i ran into a few issues while dining at La Brasa. 1. It took 30 minutes for our food to come out. We were there fairly early to beat the lunch rush...but it took a long time for the food to come out 2. Insufficient parking space. The place got really crowded (as we waited for our food)...the parking "area" is behind the restaurant. Gravel, fenced in and very small. There aren't any lines to guide car spaces. So, it was a cluster getting in and out. The manager asked me to move my car because the garbage truck showed up and wanted to empty the dumpster. So, being hangry from such a long wait for our food...i went outside and moved my car, waited for the garbage truck to do its thang...then waited a bit to find a spot. 3. I was really surprised at how small the serving size was. For the price, i did expect more. I've gone to a few latin/spanish restos and the servings are double for the price i paid. The food is no doubt very good. But the bad out weighed the good for me.

    (2)

  • Koral S.

    HUGE FAN! Wish I was able to get here more often. Carne Asada a must have if you like good, juicy perfectly cooked steak. Also, the pollo a la brasa and tres leches cake are always amazing. Consistently good and satisfying and the service is outstanding!

    (5)

  • Mark N.

    The carne asada is really good! The restaurant is small but the waiter and staff are really attentive. This restaurant is authentic as well. This spot always gets over looked because of the road its on. Tip: Park on the side on Weekends since meters are free.

    (5)

  • Sarah P.

    We were excited about the great reviews for this place and decided to check it out. Unfortunately it didn't quite rise to the 5-star level, this was mainly due to the incredibly slow pace of the service/kitchen. We came fairly early on a Monday night and there were only 3 other tables occupied when we arrived, two of them already had food. Nonetheless, it was at least hour before we got our food and it seemed to be the theme as the two other tables that came in after us also were left waiting, waiting, waiting. Food itself was overall really good. The salsa is great, chips are a bit heavy (personal preference, I like the light thin ones better). Ceviche was tasy but the order is large and the fish is in larger chunks than I'm used to, guacamole was tasty. The Cuban pork (masitas de puerco) was really delicious, I'd come back for this. The kiddo had the cheese quesadilla and it was overloaded with cheese big time, Mom got the sopa de pollo and said it was just good. Dad got fajitas and said they were good as well. I'd happily return some time for the food but the wait was really kind of ridiculous for as few people as were in the restaurant. They were also out of rotisserie chicken for the day at 6:15, which was a bummer.

    (3)

  • Mike B.

    If you wern't searching for this place... it is very unlikely that you would come to this place. Thank g-d for Yelp. After seeing a solid 4.5 star rating with 203 reviews, I went in search, and boy did I find a pot a gold. The two most popular dishes here are clearly the Lomo Saltado and the Carne Asada. Just look at the review distribution. Like 45 reviews mention the carne asada and 36 mention the lomo saltado. The winner for me was the lomo saltado. A savory vinegar heavy sauce that is pooling around slices of tender beef, tomato, red onion, and french fries. Yes, you heard me- french fries. The original dish is made with slices of potato but a popular rendition of this hit song goes with french fries. The carne asada: my friend says it has the same exact flavor of a good hamburger. I taste it... I can see what he's talking about, but don't completely agree. Not my favorite version to be honest. Not bad by any means, but this dish is not why I gave the location 5 stars. It's a little too thin of a cut of meat for me. The thickness of 3 quarters stacked. The pupusas are delicious. They are begging for a little more char and the orange sauce they are served with I think is a little flavorless. The Stew: 5 stars Lomo Saltado- I could eat that once a week Customer Service- VERY attentive. Finished plates are cleared quickly. Drinks are carefully watched. Perfect touch backs by our server. Pupusas- the flavor is great. The slaw is good. Everything is fresh and you would not think the inside is what it is when you look at the building from the outside. Parking in back

    (5)

  • Beata K.

    Great Peruvian food. It's a small place and nothing super nice when it comes to decor but the food was good. The lomo slatado was on point and the plantains that came with it were also tasty. We also got the chicken which was juicy and cooked very well.

    (4)

  • Bell A.

    A true hidden gem. Do not let the outside appearance deter you. This restaurant gets an A+ for their food, service & cleanliness. Excellent prices & extensive menu. Would return again.

    (5)

  • Stephanie D.

    All the patrons were white. I think that says a lot. Food was allright. 3.5 stars. Had carne asada and chicken saltado. Flavors were kinda weak. Salsa and chips at a Latin American restaurant? Not in my experience, but this one provides them. Salsa made the chips taste better, but the chips on their own are pretty much tasteless. I love kantutas in Wheaton for Latin American (Bolivian), much more flavorful and generous portions, and the patrons aren't all white!

    (3)

  • Josh G.

    Great food and friendly service! And if you are remotely deterred by one of the posters who said this is too white, beyond being an incredibly stupid and narrow minded comment, I can attest that there was every nationality represented during our visit. Great food knows no color. Must try if you want something simple and delicious.

    (5)

  • Eunice K.

    Very hard to find. Located across the gas station and it doesn't seem like a restaurant would be located on this road. I feel like there wouldn't be a time when there aren't enough spots to park. The restaurant is very small. When you are seated they bring out chips and salsa. HORCHATA sweet and not as creamy. PUPUSA came with some sauce that didn't have much flavor and pickled slaw BISTEC ENCEBOLLADO - Steak sauteed with peppers and onions served with white rice and salad. 11.50 My friend ordered this so I was able to try a little. flavorful, good, filling, and seemed like a well-balanced meal LOMO SALTADO - Strips of prime sirloin sautéed in a special Peruvian sauce with onions, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. 11.50 My cousin and other friend ordered this and it was also very good and flavorful. The onions were cooked and still had a little crunch. MASITAS DE PUERCO - Cuban style morsels of pork, topped with sautéed onions. Served with jasmine rice black beans and plantains. 12.95 This was my dish and the pork was good. some parts were a little more dry but in general juicy and flavorful. The pork rub/sauce was good and worked well with the plantains, beans and rice. The rice was a bit salty in my opinion but very good. TRES LECHE good but not as good as I expected. SERVICE excellent! They were very attentive and thoughtful. They did not bring out the check to us until later because they did not want to disrupt our conversation.

    (4)

  • Tandis H.

    For being the number one Yelp rated restaurant in Rockville, I guess my expectations were pretty high. After reading many reviews and looking closely at their menu, I decided to order the lomo saltado (I almost ordered the carne asada, but I'm more for flavor than a simple steak). I also got a side of black beans, a very good decision as it added more heft and was a nice complement to the meal. Dinner: 2/5 stars. The meat was tough and definitely had to be cut up into smaller pieces. The onions were thinly cut which was fine, but not what I expected. Some people mentioned that the lomo saltado comes with nice potato wedges? When I got my meal, I dug to see if there were any fries, just out of curiosity. There were literally 3 fries (not potato-wedges) hidden under the meat. Luckily we had some leftover tortilla chips that I mixed in. The flavor was nice, but the dish overall was underwhelming, even if I hadn't read the raving reviews beforehand. Dessert: 5/5 stars. My friend and I split the tres leches dessert which I had seen all over these Yelp reviews. It was the perfect size to share and was very good. I had never had this dessert before. Service/Ambiance: 4/5. The place was decently busy for a Monday night. Our server was a kind man and was very attentive. The place is a little dark and small, but seemed clean. I would come back to try some other dishes here - it was not bad! Just wanted to give my experience at this place since it seems to be different from many others'.

    (3)

  • Peter L.

    Enjoying La Brasa once or twice a week allows me to keep my sanity and I never have a bad thing to say. It feels like my Latin home for lunch and dinner. If you have not been here then you have not experienced good latin cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Barbara F.

    I LOVE THIS local place, with authentic Peruvian food, Family owned and the food is wonderful. The service is great, It is small and you might have to wait, but a real value and worth it!!

    (5)

  • Paveena S.

    I have been going here for years! They never disappoint!! Everything I have gotten here is delicious. And the customer service is outstanding! They already know what I want!! My favorite is the lomo saltado.

    (5)

  • Anne K.

    A great local non-chain restaurant! We enjoy taking out and eating in here, especially since they have been so welcoming when we bring our toddler for a meal. They have been incredibly thoughtful to offer to bring her food first to keep her happy, as well as give me and my husband a chance to eat our food, too. The food is yummy--I really like the shrimp entree or the quarter chicken with two sides (the yuca being a given). My husband is partial to the plantains. I definitely recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    Exceptional service. I've never had a dish that I don't love. Definitely coming back.

    (5)

  • Here I.

    This restaurant is a gem. It is worth 5-stars for what it is - a local family-owned place serving authentic latin food. Everyone in the family loves their carne asada - crispy and flavorful but still tender on the inside. The chicken is great, and the kids eat as much of the rice and beans as we order. The Flan and Tres Leches cake are both worth saving a little room for. When we go as a family we share one piece of each as no one can decide which they like better! Makes me believe in the underdog! They have always been great with my kids. They could probably accomodate a group of 8 or so, but not a really big group. We have always just dropped in, I am not sure if they even take reservations.

    (5)

  • Paige W.

    La Brasa is amazing! A heads up though- it can be easy to drive by and miss. When you are on Parklawn, keep an eye out for the restaurant. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but the inside of this place is adorable. It is a sit down restaurant with an intimate setting. I came here with a friend, but it would be great for a date night. Because it is family owned, it has that nice touch that you don't find at busy chain restaurants. The good is great. I ordered the veggie empanadas. The staff is understanding of any dietary restrictions and assured me that the rice and beans were vegetarian (no chicken broth added). I like that the rice, beans, and pico de gallo were included as sides. You get a good amount of food at a reasonable price. Thumbs up for great service, food, and atmosphere. It is a small restaurant but is worth checking out.

    (5)

  • April M.

    They always get it right! I find it amazing how so many larger companies strive for greatness yet fall short... They need to take a page out of La Brasa's handbook. What they are known for is their coal roasted chicken that permeates the entire block. As a new diner you must go for that. However, on your second visit... Because there will be a second visit.... You must try their other speciality dishes. Some include fried trout, soupa de pollo, mariscos con arroz, carne asada, and the most amazing lomo saltado! Hats off to the men and women behind the amazing food! I have been there so many times, along with my family and they have never disappointed. The owner is amazing and his children who are serving there are polite and welcoming.

    (5)

  • Ronald L.

    Came here for a dinner get-together on a Monday night and it was pleasantly busy. A very good sign for a restaurant. I ordered the beef tongue platter and it was delicious. It was served with steamed medley of vegetables and seasoned rice. The beef tongue was served as 4 medallions with a gravy. The tongue was tender and chewy in texture. If you've never had tongue before, it's similar to the texture of a clam. The gravy was rich and savory with beef flavor. Rice was seasoned with butter and sprinkled with cilantro. The steamed veggies were perfectly seasoned and not over steamed. Everything was very good and I would definitely recommend this place.

    (4)

  • Ruth S.

    After finding La Brasa on Yelp, we decided to give it a try. We felt as though we had walked into a little piece of heaven (Well, any Latin restaurant that serves home-made Horchata is a winner with me!) The place is small and was packed. We waited for about 15 minutes at the counter watching the cooks prepare the food on their large industrial stoves. Once seated, the service was slow. But we were there to relax, and the customers at the other tables were friendly and were enjoying themselves. We got the fajitas. Fajitas for two was one order with more tortillas, beans, rice and guacamole added for an additional portion. This made the meal very affordable. Our bill was under $25. At any other restaurant, the fajitas would have been double the price. Of course, the portion was smaller and was just enough for us both to share. We can't wait to go back. It was so relaxed, friendly and happy. . . . It felt like we were in one of our favorite restaurants in New Mexico, not in Maryland. And, Stephanie D. not everyone in the restaurant was white. How inappropriate for you to say that! You should be ashamed!

    (5)

  • Kyle S.

    I have lost track of the amount of times that I have dined at La Brasa. It is always the first restaurant that I go to when I am in the Rockville area. The only knocks against it is the ambience and the slow service. However, the food more than makes up for it. I have had almost every item on the menu and honestly you cannot go wrong. My personal favorites are the Lomo Saltado and the Chicken Enchiladas. It's delicious and always a good time!

    (5)

  • Emile H.

    The food is delicious--standard Mexican fare done very well. Nothing too creative but there is no need when the quality is high. I usually get the vegetarian burrito. The big down side is that the wait is very very long. Do not go if you have anywhere to be later on.

    (4)

  • Kelley D.

    Cozy location tucked away behind parklawn. Very local feel though service can be a bit slow. We waited a good 10 min before server acknowledged is and came to take our orders. Lots of dishes to select from: Lomo saltado, ropa vieja, Peruvian chicken, etc. The bisteca was perfectly marinated and quite tender. Carne asada looked quite delicious as well. Felt the rice was just slightly a bit on the al dente side. Overall great spot to get your South American grub on.

    (4)

  • R Q.

    Great food. It's in this weird place where it's a good price for a sit down restaurant but a bit pricey for fast food but the food is phenomenal. Terrific seasoning and they cook the meats perfectly. It absolutely deserves its reputation here on Yelp

    (5)

  • Jenny L.

    Have been a loyal customer since we moved to the area! A great place to get a good, affordable meal with great service. Food: - enchiladas: very good, cheesy and not too overpowering - fajitas: great value and good amount of food, you can even share it for a satisfying meal - pupusas: cheesy, yummy goodness - rotisserie chicken: good but not mind blowing, would opt for crisp and juicy instead. Everyone is always so nice and quick in terms of service and food is always reliable :) I'm a fan!

    (5)

  • J G.

    I went here for dinner on Wednesday night, and only went because of how good the ratings were on yelp. Every part of the experience exceeded my expectations, and I will be returning again soon. I ordered a beef chimichanga, chicken appetizer(forget the name), red and white sangria, and tres leches. Each item had tremendous flavor and pretty good presentation. Here is my pros and cons: Pros: - food quality, taste and presentation - price - sangria - parking - customer service Cons: - location is relatively hidden - inside is kindve small Overall, I have found my new favorite Spanish restaurant. I cannot wait to return.

    (5)

  • Robert C.

    Probably the best Latin American restaurant in the area. The place isn't that big and can be cramped at times, however the food's worth it! Lomo Saltado ($10sh) - Sirloin Strips marinated in Vinegar; stir fried with Red Onions, Tomatoes. Served with French Fries (more like potato wedges) & Rice. Probably 1 of the best Lomo Saltado I've had. The sirloin's marinated really well and it just blends so well with the other ingredients. If you're a fan of dish that's a bit sour, this is def for you. Carne Asada ($10sh) - Grilled Marinated Steak; comes with 1 flour Tortilla, Salsa, Lime & Rice. This is also good, even though I like the lomo saltado better since it has more flavors/ingredients incorporated in it. All the rice in this place's really delicious, perhaps they put coconut essence in them? Overall - Portion's decent; price's affordable. Food's awesome, I highly recommend the Lomo Saltado! The servers're really friendly and attentive, the food comes out quick. You also get free chips and salsa dip, so take advantage!!!

    (4)

  • Alberto B.

    Exceptional food and wonderful warm service. Being Cuban I hesitate to eat any Latin food outside of Florida. But la brassa more than met my expectations.

    (5)

  • Sivan B.

    Obsessed with this place!!! The food is amazing, the people are SO sweet, and the atmosphere and music is great.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    I had my first la brasa experience today, and it was delightful. The welcoming atmosphere was only exceeded by the pleasant demeanor of the staff. Upon receiving our appetizers one of the chefs suggested we incorporate some of the sweet salsa into the dish and he could not have been more correct. Following that insight I abandoned my menu choice to take the server up on the recommendation of the fried trout. Again my faith in the staff paid off in spades. The whole fish was split along the spine and deboned with precision. I cannot heap enough praise on my experience today, I look forward to dropping in for a takeout chicken next time I am pressed for time by the hanger. All in all I look forward to incorporating a new restaurant into my rotation, and encourage everyone else to give La Barasa a chance.

    (5)

  • Maria C.

    This place is awesome!!! We got there 5 min before closing and the owner still graciously welcomed us with open arms. Food was great. Service even better.

    (5)

  • Marci S.

    Started with some pupusas- a variety and they were delicious! Also had some yuca with chicharrón that was spectacular. Dinner was spectacular: bistec encebollado, masitas de puerco, ropa vieja y sopa de pollo. Every dish was prepared perfectly and was very authentic. Glad we were able to treat them to a yummy dinner!

    (5)

  • Safa M.

    Quality meat. Inexpensive. What else one needs to know? It's a bit difficult to find the location.

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    I moved to MD from NYC, where you can find authentic cuisine from all corners of the world, I was a bit skeptical about how well local restaurants here would match up. My plan was to find my "go-to" spot for every kind of food I enjoy. When it comes to Latin American food, I struck gold on the first try. La Brasa....wow! Just fantastic. Love the decor and ambience. The restaurant is clean and well decorated and still manages to have a laid back vibe. I've been there twice now and both times was quite pleased with my meal. Well seasoned, served hot...and with a smile! You can't ask for much more.

    (5)

  • Deb G.

    Holy crap this place is awesome!! My friend and I waited for a table to open up on a cold, snowy February night. Once we got seated, we began with excellent chips and salsa, and I had a well-made horchata. We ordered two pupusas - cheese and revueltas. They came out pretty promptly for pupusas (I'm always prepared to wait for them!) and boy, were they good. I ate all the crunchy, cheesey goodness that had oozed out of the cheese pupusa - yum!!! I wish I had asked for some more of the pickled cabbage on the side though. We then shared the lomo saltado and the ropa vieja, as we were both in a beef-y mood. The lomo saltado was great - the steak was seasoned and cooked so well! And the ropa vieja was so very good, melting in your mouth. I was also impressed by the plantains, which were so delicious. The only downer note in dinner were the beans, which totally lacked in flavor. Unfortunately, the downhill slide continued with the tres leches cake. The server said it was the best dessert in the place...if so, they should stop making dessert. The fake whipped cream, the dry cake, it just wasn't so good. Next time I'll just have the horchata for dessert.

    (4)

  • Nina H.

    This is one of my favorite places to eat. The civiche is just fantastic. The chicken is made daily, and tastes delicious. Unlike some places around here, the chicken is neither greasy nor dry, its just perfect. I have never had a problem with the food or the service. The staff is friendly. The only problem is when you get take out. I have gotten take out from here a few times, but the wait has been horrible. La Brasa is a much better experience if you dine in. The parking lot is really small, and some of the guests tend to double park, aside from that, this place is great.

    (4)

  • Tracy T.

    I decided to try this place for lunch after reading the reviews, and I love Latin food. I really wanted the chicken, but I was already having that for dinner, so I went with the recommended carne asada, and it was delicious! My boyfriend had the half chicken, which he enjoyed, but he wasn't happy with the coleslaw and yukka.

    (4)

  • Shaun P.

    La Brasa is by far the best Latin American cuisine you will get in the entire metropolitan area. I wish this La Brasa would open in Northern Virginia! The family that owns and runs La Brasa are very humble people and they want you to genuinely enjoy your time and homemade Spanish cuisine. Everything on the menu is outstanding. If I had to pick my favorites, the Gambas Al Ajillo, Brasa Salad, Carne Asada, Bistec Encebollado and Tres Leches cake, all very OUTSTANDING dishes to try! The only gripe I have is La Brasa is a true hidden gem, take it slow on Parklawn Dr. otherwise you'll be bound to miss it. Lastly, parking is limited and seating can get a little cramped on very busy evenings.

    (5)

  • Alexander K.

    After a gym session we came here to try this establishment since the yelp rating was so high. Overall, I feel that it was a good experience but definitely not a 5 star experience as many of these yelp ratings suggest. 5 stars should truly be reserved for very special restaurants, not just "good" restaurants. I ordered the carne asada, my girlfriend had the lomo saltado, we shared camarones a la plancha, tres leches, and plantain empanadas. The flavor of the carne asada was satisfactory, however the beef itself was a bit sinewy resulting in a laborious effort with my knife. The jasmine rice that came with it was done well. My girlfriend enjoyed the lomo saltado which I got to taste a few bites of, and there was nothing wrong with it. Again, the beef in this instance was a bit tough in my opinion. The grilled (butterflied) shrimp dish was satisfactory as well, no complaints here. The deciding factor as far as this rating is concerned was the dessert: tres leches. What a great cake; the sponge layers of the cake were perfectly over-saturated with milk, while sitting in a pool of condensed milk and topped off with cream and a dusting of powdered cocoa. An overall great mouth-feel and a dessert I would gladly order again. The plantain empanadas were just "ok".

    (4)

  • Maria L.

    The papusa lorocco is so tasty! It is much better than the regular queso one. The staff is very friendly and the steak fajitas is good for sharing. Will come back :)

    (5)

  • Alex Y.

    Small Restaurant, BIG TASTE. I decided to give this place a try because I was in the area and I've always heard about it and never bothered to seek it out (Sardi's is usually my go to). Jesus christ this place is small and constantly crowded. Not a bad thing because all the food that came out of that small kitchen was absolutely delicious. Best part? My bill for two people came out to be 22 dollars. Honest to god this place is amazing. I will definitely be going back again.

    (5)

  • Emma O.

    I loved it here! I'm new to the area and was looking for a place that served Salvadoran dishes and this was definitely it. The waitress was so nice and the owner made sure we had a good experience. I felt as if I was back home eating with my family. The food was authentic, I had pupusas and chicken tamales, followed by the sweet empanadas for dessert. Ugh, I'm hungry just thinking about it. Will be coming back soon!

    (5)

  • Mike K.

    Nice little fam owned pollo a la brasa. Not the freshness of Sardi's but very tasty. Suggestion: shrimp and squid in the ceviche would make me order it twice.

    (4)

  • Amanda S.

    I have been to La Brasa for lunch and now dinner. My husband and I dined here on a Saturday night. It was crowded (not very much seating inside) and we had to wait for about 15 minutes. Not bad. We had cheese pupusas for a starter. They were hot and fresh. I had the sautéed shrimp for entrée. It was very nice with a hint of white wine in the sauce. The shrimp were large and flavorful. It came with white rice and salad. My husband had the carne asada. He really enjoyed it, said the flavoring was delicious but the only downside was that the portion was a bit small. That came with rice. We also order a side of fried yucca which were also very good. I would highly recommend this establishment. Great, friendly service as well as delicious food. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Felix D.

    Great rotisserie chicken dish, really filled me up. Just do not agree on the tilapia dish price, not enough food for that price.

    (3)

  • Steve J.

    So good. Ceviche & mango jicama salad with beautiful citrus flavors, salmon sweet & delicious. Service as friendly as can be. I'll be back whenever I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Lady Phade 1.

    Good food - Lomo Soltado (Chicken & Beef) were both AMAZING - Great flavor - Portions could be a bit larger - especially the rice - They only give you one little tiny scoop so that would be my only complaint

    (4)

  • PureClass M.

    It was absolutely an amazing meal and experience! We will definitely be back to visit the La Brasa Latin Cuisine restaurant. The enchiladas that both of us ordered were petite, but we were impressed with that. It was a meal also definitely pleasing to the eye! Loved it!

    (5)

  • Rose C.

    Consistently delicious food. My usual order: grilled shrimp. Everything else is just as good.

    (5)

  • Alan T.

    PROS: Consistently good. We've been going there for years. Great staff and great food. Try the La Brasa Salad with Salmon or Grilled Chicken. Rotisserie is great too! 5 out of 5 overall. CONS: Parking lot has tons of potholes and hasn't been re-paved in years. They really should fix that. Anyone agree?

    (5)

  • Mary Kate M.

    I'm going to start by saying good job to La Brasa for having such a high rating after 110 reviews. That speaks a loud that your customers overall love you and that your restaurant generally is satisfying. I wish I could continue on with the 4 and 5 star reviews, but my experience seemed lacking for what it was. I came here with my old college friend Matt. He relocated to the area recently, and we decided to catch up for old time sake. He worked in the area hence why this was our meeting point. We started out with water. Matt had ordered a soda, however, it was about half way through the meal that they brought it to him even after a reminder. We both ordered the Lomo Saltado which comes with onions, rice, their rendition of the potato part was fries, and steak. Though Matt and I both enjoyed the dish for what it was, I still felt the meal, the service, and price of the meal was mediocre. You pay $10.50 for the meal and get very little for what you pay for. Service could have been 50 times better. The venue is a small place so it would be pretty hard to forget about your customers. As far as the food goes, I think it was okay. I feel they could give you more bang for your buck. Next time if I do come here, I hope to have an overall better experience.

    (3)

  • Jennifer N.

    Yes, yes, yes!! La Brasa is featuring some spiffy new menus, but rest assured, you can still get 1/2 chicken with two sides for $8.50 (seriously). This magnificent, juicy chicken (crispy skin, tender inside) comes with your choice of plantains, black beans and rice, french fries, or yucca (and tortillas). Sure, this place isn't huge on ambiance (more than that, if you drive faster than 15mph, you'll fly right by La Brasa) - but the staff is efficient and friendly, the food is delicious and fresh, and it's one of the few places in Metro DC where you can get a really good meal for two for under $20.

    (5)

  • Beth L.

    (Email to co-workers, Subject: Whoaaa) OMG. Holy chicken. Can I just express how very grateful I am that I'm not a vegetarian? I can say that seriously because I was one for 10 years. This is insanely delicious...you know, I don't think I've ever had Peruvian chix before. The skin especially....omggggg. My door is closed and I've dug in hands-first, with reckless abandon. The best part is it's a LOT of food - I have dinner too, and I keep thinking about how much Tiger would love this, too. Thank you both so much for introducing me to this joint!

    (5)

  • Elly S.

    I try a lot of restaurants one time and rarely find one that impresses me enough for a second visit. But La Brasa is the exception - excellent food, good prices, and I'm always looking for an excuse to go there. Be aware that the location is not elegant at all; it's stuck in the middle of an office/industrial area. And check the hours - last I recall, they were closed on Sundays.

    (5)

  • Ari Z.

    Great first impression. I've driven by the place for years and I just recently read on Yelp about how good it was, so I knew I had to go in. I walked in and the guy at the register (manager? owner?) greeted me. I told him it was my first time, and asked what are some of their signature items/best sellers. He immediately steered me toward the lomo saltado, the carne asada, and the masitas de puerco. A lot of the reviews highlighted the same items, I figured I'd just have to pick one, so I gave the saltado a go. I also ordered a chicken burrito, the ceviche and two bean and cheese papusas. Then I asked, "how's your sopa de res?" I swear it looked like he started to drool. I took one of those too. The order was to go, so I waited at the bar while they prepared everything. I was watching the line chef finish cooking and assembling the dishes, and I could tell she really wanted everything to be perfect. That told me all I needed to know about her passion for what she does. When the guy was packing everything up for me, he showed me what everything was. Papusas, burrito, ceviche, lomo saltado, carne asada. Huh? I said I didn't order that. He said, "it must be your lucky day, take it anyway, you'll love it!" The car smelled great, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I wasn't at all disappointed. Everything was fantastic. The steak in the saltado was wonderfully tender and nicely seasoned, and the onions, tomatoes and potato wedges really brought it all together. The burrito was full of very tasty shredded chicken, and it was dressed very well with its sauces and side of beans and rice. The ceviche was off the charts good, big pieces of fish, sliced red onions, cilantro, all "stewing" in that amazing lime juice marinade. I didn't taste the papusas, but I did hear a few "oh my g-d" utterances. The sopa de res was on a whole other level. The broth had so much body to it, and such deep flavor, that by itself would have been satisfying. Add the veggies and meat to it and... fuhgetaboutit - winner winner! I was so full from trying everything, but I couldn't leave out the precious gift of the carne asada. I just had to take a bite. Super tender, super tasty. It looked underwhelming in the container, but the flavor it packed changed that perception instantly. I am so glad I finally wandered in to this fairly unassuming joint, oddly placed near a couple of high rises and a smattering of old shops, auto mechanics, and a storage facility. I absolutely will be returning to dig deeper into that menu!

    (5)

  • Christine T.

    Chicarrones, Yuca, Papusas, Ceviche, and Peruvian chicken all in one place?! You don't say. La Brasa came highly recommended and a group of us decided to stop by for lunch. The service was super friendly and one glance at the menu I knew what I wanted. Ordered the Ceviche for the table, Chicarrones con Yucca and a meat papusa for myself. The papusa was great. Soft fluffy perfection. The Chicarrones had a nice sauce on top that soaked into the yucca giving them a nice flavor. Words cannot express the little slice of heaven I was in while eating my meal.

    (4)

  • Stephen K.

    Absolutely love love love this place. It's not super expensive which is also a plus but honestly I'd probably still come even if it was; it's that good. The carne asada is legit, as is the tamales for an appetizer. I try to make it here at least a couple times a month, mostly because I get the craving for the flavors.. If you're looking for amazing flavor and good service, this is the place to go for sure!

    (5)

  • Jayson S.

    Fantastic food in an almost hidden location. I've almost missed the place twice, but am so glad I persevered to locate them. This place has fresh delicious food. The Masitas de Puerco is scrumptious, as is the Camarones Entomatados. The sides are perfect (I don't know how the make rice taste so good) including yummy plantains. And I almost forgot to mention the perfectly cooked, tender whole chicken I ordered to take home.

    (5)

  • Kathleen J.

    Perfect Latin food, with a great staff to boot! You must try the Tres Leches, it is perfection. The restaurant is tucked back off the main roads, and its quiet location is perfect for afternoon or evening dining. I have had do many great dishes, and make sure you try some authentic Latin appetizers too!

    (5)

  • Bo I.

    Um... Holy shit. This place is the shit. I like Carne Asada here. Also the chicharone is amazing, and so as their white rice. All the juices are pretty much authentic (according to my Spanish boyfriend) Although it is a little too sweet, so he puts water and ice in it. But its way to sweet for me. I am Korean, maybe that's why. Their food had been consistently good, although their white rice taste a bit different from a month ago. Take out service is really fast, and people are nice there if you talk to them. I am sad I moved away from this area, but I have to come back here to try their Chicken sometime.

    (5)

  • Nicole R.

    3.75 Stars. Pretty darn good! I have to try this place again...I ordered the shrimp dish and it was mighty tasty. I definitely want to try some of the other selections. Here's what I liked: Salsa was yummy - hot though! Friendly service Place felt "authentic" Fast service Plenty of parking What I didn't like: A little pricey in my opinion Location is a little inconvenient Not the most charming place, for sure! Come here for the food!

    (4)

  • Rachel C.

    I went here with a friend who said she's been coming for years. She loves the food, but also the fact that it's family-owned and operated and that the waiter knows her order (salad-extra avacados) without her even saying it! She said that during lunch it's quite crowded and it's best to come on off-times, if possible. We were there for dinner on a Monday and it became more and more crowded the longer we were there! I heard another patron asking the waiter about his family, so they must have a few regulars. On her recommendation I got the salad with steak (and a glass of wine!) and it was DELICIOUS--and inexpensive. All the other meals I saw going to other tables looked and smelled amazing. I would definitely recommend this--and I will be coming back again!

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    First, put this in perspective: This isn't a fancy place so don't have the wrong expectations. But if you avoid the sparse atmosphere and the location you are in for a treat. The food here is excellent. The carne asada was incredibly tender and well-seasoned. And shouldn't be missed. A friend with us raved about the lomo soltado. And a third had a chimichanga, which was the most pedestrian of the dishes. So come in and try this place. It's a great value, great taste, really nice service and a complete winner. Take the time to find it!

    (5)

  • Phoebe C.

    So for Latin cuisine outside of Cali, I'd say La Brasa is pretty legit in how good the food tastes and the fact that it doesn't make too big a dent to your wallet. You can spend roughly $10-12 here if you just order an entree. But if you order an entree, share appetizers, and a pitcher of sangria, it'll be ~$20. But you will end up super satisfied and food coma-ed out. The good: -SANGRIA. Def get the sangria. You could taste the wine, and it wasn't sweet, but it went down super easy. Three people can easily finish a pitcher. Maybe even a thirsty two. -Taquitos. At first I was a bit doubtful because taquitos seem so...not special. But it was actually the best tasting appetizer. It comes w/ sour cream, guac, and salsa. -Free chips + salsa. Good that it was free. Filling but not yummy per se. -Chicken enchilada entree. You get 2 enchiladas and the standard sides. It was tasty and the moistness of the enchilada sauce hit the spot. I wish they included guac on the side though. -Carne asada (and fajita which also had carne asada). Meet was good. Thin and tasty and cooked to perfection. -Chimichanga. My friends liked it. Seriously the biggest deep fried chimichanga ever. You have to be pretty beast to finish it all. -Takes your usual credit cards (AMEX, VISA, MC). -Nice customer service. Waitress came around often to refill drinks, ask how we were doing, etc. The meh: -Tamales. Wasn't impressed at all. Tasted pretty bland and flavorless, and the whole thing was too soft. -Kinda hole in the wall and located in a sub-optimal plaza (if you can even call it that). -Parking is on this stony/cementy and dinky lot.

    (4)

  • Eugene H.

    got the carne asada here and it was pretty good. there isn't too much seating here, but luckily we came during an off time so the service was quick and we had no trouble getting a spot. this place is on a road that unless you're passing through or working in the area, could easily get passed up.

    (4)

  • Alicia L.

    This place has an awesome happy hour. $5 food and $5 drinks. The soft beef tacos are yummy and so are the empanadas. The papusa wasn't a that great.

    (4)

  • Tim D.

    This is our go to place for a quick, cheap dinner. I've never had to wait for a seat, the service is prompt and the chips and salsa are great. Their salsa is not chunky but it has great flavor and their chips are crispy and light. Our usual order is the chicken chimichanga which has always been fried to the perfect level of crispness. It comes with a side of rice and beans. The portion sizes may not seem like a lot of food but for $8 it is more than you would expect, and it is enough for me to feel full.

    (5)

  • Mark N.

    I've been here twice now and it is already one of my favorite spots for some real Latin food. First off the service is superb but the dishes they recommended us were hit and miss. It may be mostly just our preference. So for our first visit, we went with what the waiter recommended which was the Yuca con Chicharron, crispy chunks of pork with fried yuca. This was pretty good but they really didn't give enough chunks of pork. We also order the Cerviche, which came with big chunks of white fish. We usually like the fish in smaller chunks which in my opinion tastes a lot better. For the entree dish, I ordered the Masitas and that was really good. So tasty and flavorful. My wife ordered the Tilapia which was just okay. The sauce was decent, but the fish was probably overcooked. Nothing to write too much about. My sister ordered the pan fried trout, which in my opinion was not that good. The fish was dry and flavorless and the sauce didn't quite pare with the trout very well. My second visit was better since we stuck to what was recommended here by reviewers. I ordered Pupusas which was pretty good as an appetizer. We also ordered the Mussels which was way too fishy tasting for our tastes. This is nothing compared to Timpano's mussels! For the main dishes we ordered the Lomo Saltado and Ropa Viejo which were delicious. I especially like the flavor of the Lomo Saltaldo as it was cooked perfectly. The Ropa was equally as satisfying as the shredded beef seemed marinated in the sauce they cook it in. Add in the rice and its a perfect and balanced meal. Lastly, the Sangria is a MUST try as it is one of the best we have ever had. Everytime we go, we load up on a few glasses and then go to sleep. This place rivals my other favorite place called Guapos, but I think we found a new hangout.

    (4)

  • Cameron B.

    Ok, I have to qualify, the management and staff here are like family! If you come here more than three times they will remember you, love you, and treat you like a cousin! The food, yes, it's well done basic basic basic central American food. It's not going to blow your socks off but you'll never leave disappointed! Ambiance....not great, but they'll clean up your table, run your food, and fill your glass like a 5 star restaurant! Fried plantains and Yuka, falnk steak to chimichangas, classic Peruvian soup and tortas, you can even get a pitcher of Sangria! La Brasa has been nourishing the NIH community of Twinbrook for years, and I for one LOVE THEM for it!!

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    I haven't tried the Peruvian chicken so I can't comment on that...well the one and only thing I have when I come here is the carne asadas. It's much better than what I have tasted in mexican restaurants across the DC area. Just remember that this place isn't fancy. You go up to the cashier and order and it's not a full dining experience. The ambience is ho hum. It's a small joint that you go to grab a quick bite. If you don't have high expectations on the looks of this place, you should be quite happy with the quality of the food. I have yet to hear anyone really complain about this place in person.

    (4)

  • Taylor T.

    Ambiance -- casual & comfortable; no frills. Service -- polite, attentive, happy; no frills. Received a welcome, drinks, apps, & dinner in good order. Had to wait a little bit for a second beer, but it was a Corona, so who really cares. Food -- rotisserie chicken was VERY good, the house rub definitely made it. The coleslaw was also very good, a nice foil to the well spiced chicken. Jicama & mango salad was also good, but it's 2013, where did you even find iceberg lettuce? The salsa was good, & the chips were warm and not greasy. Diverse enough menu, full of Latin style, home cooking; No frills. Drink -- very poor beer list (corona, modelo, heiniken, miller lite, etc.) Price -- good value; about $55 including gratuity for (1) App (4) Beer/Wine (2) Entree Bathrooms -- clean & functional. Overall: I got my money's worth, for a good, home cooked meal; in a clean & friendly environment.

    (3)

  • Amanda M.

    This is definitely a hole in the wall. You could easily pass it while it is overshadowed by the FDA building. WOW. The food is AMAZING! My favorite dishes are the Peruvian chicken, Lomo Saltado, Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken Tamales. Even though I live in VA, I make trips to Rockville just to eat here!

    (5)

  • Amanda N.

    Love. I wish I knew about this place a while ago. I recently went here for lunch. They only seat about 35 people and lunch was pretty busy. I was feeling adventurous so I ordered the Tacos De Lengua (beef tongue taco). It was really good. I would order it again. I also tried the horchata which was a bit too sweet for my liking but it had good flavors. I will definitely come back to try their other menu items. This was a great find!

    (4)

  • Topaz S.

    My family and I have been here at least a dozen times over the past 18 months. This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We've eaten practically everything on the menu, but our favorites are the chicken enchiladas, lomo saltado, shrimp tacos, gambas al ajillo, tilapia and the pupusas. There is not a lot of atmosphere here, but for the price and quality, who cares? The only negatives is that the salsa is watery and for a place billed as a rotisserie chicken place, the only time we tried to order it, they were out.

    (5)

  • James L.

    First time here and had there carne asada and it was really good. The place at first looks really small and out of place. But the staff was really friendly and I believe they are family owned. I would definitely come back again.

    (5)

  • David M.

    The food here is amazing. We went here a few times just to make sure it wasn't a "one time thing." Everything is done very well. If I could complain about anything, it would be the parking lot. Obviously this has nothing to do with the food. Even if it rains and the parking lot turns to mud, it's worth it for the food here. Very good stuff. Very reasonably priced for the quality. Everything tastes authentic and perfectly executed. If you're in the area, this is a must-visit spot.

    (5)

  • Keny Ñ.

    Lomo does it again! Jea!

    (5)

  • Timir D.

    This review is for the "tacos al carbon". I have not tried any of the other dishes, and I realize that tacos are not the specialty of this restaurant. The service is fast and polite. Chips and salsa are served when you are seated. Both items appear to be made in-house, the chips were great, the salsa was lacking in texture but had good taste. The tacos (2 of them) came in the 2-ply format which I prefer. The filling was grilled beef and had nice texture but lacked in flavor. The taco was also filled with some pico de gallo (not the best, but very fresh tasting), and some avocado slices (just a little bit unripe, but that is better than over ripe). The tacos were accompanied by yellow rice and black beans, both were lacking in zing and could have used salt, the beans in particular tasted like they had just been poured out of a can onto the plate. Im willing to go back to this place to try the chicken.

    (3)

  • Phi N.

    I figured it out. The first time I ordered the pupusa here, I thought they messed up my order and just gave me a cheese pupusa. But this time around, I realized there was just barely any pork in it. So don't be confused, lol. The lomo saltado was still pretty good, and the peruvian chicken was all right too. This restaurant still isn't as good as many of the other peruvian establishments in the area though.

    (3)

  • Barbara W.

    Wow that tres leches cake was so delicious! Please please save room for dessert after eating their delicious other food too! The cake is so creamy and sweet. You'll love it I promise...I will be very sad if you miss out on it! On a busy Friday night, I came here with 2 of my friends who were visiting from out of town (CT and NYC) and we were able to sit outside and enjoy our meal in the nice May weather. The server was really attentive to the outside guests even though there were only two tables outside. The only downfall of eating outside is that no alcohol can be consumed there. The food is really high quality for the price. We ordered the ceviche and 3 little patty-things (can't remember the name right now) and they were delicious. I got the ropa vieja and the pork was very very tender and juicy. The plantains were sweet and it was a good combination. One of my friends ordered the half chicken and it was HUGE (and only cost ~$9!). The flavors were solid too. With appetizer, entrees and a shared dessert our bill came out to about $18 a person. As the other reviewers have said, this isn't a fancy place, and not located in a spectacularly beautiful building, but the food is really good so don't pass this place up! p.s. limited parking available on a gravel lot behind the tiny hole in the wall building.

    (5)

  • Bryan B.

    Every time I walk in there, whether it's for pick up or dining in I feel like I'm being treated like family. Service has always been excellent, prompt and never fails to meet expectation. The food is packed with flavor and has yet to disappoint. I feel like I'm eating an authentic home cooked meal every time. I really don't know what to say other than this place is great and you have to try the Carne Asada. I wish them the best and hope they can expand and share their dishes to a bigger audience.

    (4)

  • Rachael H.

    Have been here several times and am always very pleased w/my meal. I love the la brasa steak salad!

    (5)

  • Darren W.

    Amazing food.

    (5)

  • Dee B.

    This is one of my favorite Yelp finds thus far - definitely a hidden gem! I was searching for a late Sunday night dinner with a friend...remembered La Brasa, tracked down the address, practically drove past it, but were very happy we did decide to try it. All of the servers were sincerely friendly and responsive (refilling water, helping clean up spilled salsa); definitely some of the best service I've gotten in the area. The chips and salsa were a unexpected surprise and SO good! The chips were warm, the salsa tasted fresh and smoky. This alone could have been my dinner! They were out of rotisserie chicken, which wasn't surprising given the hour, but I had been looking forward to trying it. However, their menu has plenty of other choices. I got a salad with grilled chicken, my friend a chicken burrito. Prices cannot be beat -- each of these were only $8! Both were delicious -- well seasoned and just overall very good. I'll probably become a regular here...

    (5)

  • Kayci S.

    Their mango jicama salad is amazing!!!! The location is relatively small so you may have to wait to be seated but it is worth it. If you don't like waiting they offer takeout which is just as good and might be a better option for parties of 7 or more. I have not had anything here that I have been unhappy with and they have free chips and salsa for those who dine in :)

    (5)

  • Vincent V.

    after a long day of work nothing beats a 1/4 dark with ricebeans and pico de gallo. Service is friendly, food is great and doesn't leave a dent in the wallet.

    (5)

  • Cody S.

    I got the Los saltado. It wasn't the best, but not bad at all. Also, they serve bottled sodas so no refills.

    (3)

  • Alek K.

    Went there Friday for lunch for the first time and sat outside. The view isnt great - its the industrial zone with a service station across the street, but the actual terrace was nice and with the nice weather it was actually pretty relaxing. Everything else was without reproach for this type of restaurant - its simple food, but prepared very well, the service was friendly and quick and the price was very reasonable. This is now my favorite Latin-American place in the area.

    (4)

  • Gabi L.

    Love this place. Went in there the other day and got Frijole y Queso Pupusas and my entree was Ropa Vieja. It was amazingly good, however, the Ropa Vieja was a little bit salty for my taste, and I'm the type to pack salt on my food. Other then that...to die for! My lover got Carne Asada and I loved the taste of it. Tasted healthy and fresh. Loved their horchata! Def will go back again and again.

    (5)

  • Cheryl N.

    We were going to be in Rockville on a recent evening and looked for a restaurant serving Latin or South American food. Found La Brasa online and, after checking it out on Yelp and seeing the high rating, decided to give it a try. It was easy to find near the intersection of Twinbrook Pkwy and Parklawn Dr. Don't judge this place by its appearance. It's small and looks like a fast food place with a little parking lot in back. We entered through the side door and were concerned because it looked like it was only a carry-out place. While there were several staff members in the area where we entered, no one asked if we wanted a table. Looking to the right we saw ten or twelve tables and moved in that direction although we were unsure how this was going to be after all. We chose a table and from there on, it was all great! We were quickly greeted by another staff member with menus. He brought us a basket of crispy hot tortilla chips and salsa while we checked out the menu. For appetizers, we ordered the Yuca con Chicharron and the Mussels. Both were delicious! The mussels were so good we ordered another round! They had a wonderful ginger, garlic and herb broth that we all sopped up with the crispy light toasted bread that came with them. For our entrees, we had the Lomo Saltado, the Carne Asada and the Ropa Vieja. All the beef was deliciously seasoned and the accompanying sides were all very good. The service was terrific and although there were only a couple of other tables occupied while we were there, a number of people came in for carry-out. We expect this place does a good lunch business from all the office buildings around them. Highly recommend giving this place a try! We know we'll be back the next time we are in the area!

    (5)

  • Tri L.

    I rely heavily on Yelp to find places to eat, and usually its always reliable. I have NO IDEA why this place is rated so highly. Maybe since its a dive of a place the expectations drop? I'm really not sure. The chicken taquitos were deep fried to oblivion, dry, tasteless chicken served with OK guac and lettuce and tomatoes. A terrible dish. The Carne Asada was decent, meat was well seasoned and tender, but nothing out of the ordinary. The best of the dishes we tried, not saying much. Had a side of fried yuca, which were well fried and tasted good with the salsa. Chimichanga was like a bigger taquito, over fried with tasteless fillings. Someone compared this place to latin cuisine in southern cali, I have no idea how this comparison is even possible. Maybe I came on an off day, but I won't be going back to try again.

    (2)

  • Devika A.

    Fantastic Latin American food. Very family oriented and authentic. Their chicken and special sauce is incredible. The plantains and pico de gallo could have been better. The black beans and fries are also very good side dishes. Highly recommended. Also, very affordable.

    (4)

  • Miguel S.

    I love bringing my family to this restaurant for a casual dinner or lunch, my oldest daughter loves the steak with red sauce and onions, and we all love the rotisserie chicken. It is family run and they are always nice and welcoming. The restaurant is very clean.The prices are reasonable and very family friendly. I Highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Mimi C.

    I give it 5 stars...need I say more?

    (5)

  • Vee N.

    Service-could have been better. No hello or anything when we walked in. Lady on her cell came and placed the menu on our table and walked away. A waiter came and brought us water which was very quick and checked with us twice to see if we were ready to order. Then a waitress came and took our order when ready. Nothing special about her. I didnt get the warm feeling at all here. She only got a 15% tip. Food-just okay. Mixed veggies were too bland. Beans the same and the chicken was good. My wine was OK also, no complaint about that. Luckily I knew what I was selecting. Price-not bad. Paid $30 including tip for 2 people. I took some pictures of the food, it looked good but...... anyway, cant figure out how to load them on yelp.

    (2)

  • Lauren H.

    Such a delightful surprise on Parklawn. Inside this little restaurant is a lovely setting, clean and warm with fantastic service and delicious food. I had the cuban dish MASITAS DE PUERCO. It was so flavorful and cooked just right. Big pieces of pork that are browned well, mixed with grilled onions and then topped with an incredible light sauce.....perfect jasmine rice and delicious plantains....I thought the black beans were great too. My daughter had the tongue tacos! Again, perfect and a treat. I found the Tres Leches to be one of the best I've had. The cake was thick and not too sweet so that it absorbs the creamy sweetness of the milk during it's 'marinade'....very good! Our waiter was quick, attentive and very helpful. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will be back to try some other things from their menu.

    (5)

  • Christian M.

    Located right next to the massive Health & Human Services building this place is pretty dwarfed. Nonetheless it was close to my home so I decided to drop in one day when I smelled the great foods. I usually always stick with the Pollo a la brasa which always does the trick for me. A good selection of sides as well. Their Lomo Saltado is pretty good as well. My only complaint was the portion size, I feel for that for the price a little more food could be added. The Sangria here was not the greatest but decent. As far as hospitality goes it's pretty average to good during lunch since people tend to pack the place and order carryout. Dinner service the hospitality is excellent.

    (5)

  • J S.

    My wife and I found this place by accident a few months ago when we were looking for a good Latin kitchen. Their chicharron appetizers is not what I expected; however, our chicken and beef entrees had a good food quality-price balance. The place has a comfortable Latin family kitchen atmosphere, and our meal ended with a delicious tres leches dessert. We are definitely coming back for the rotisserie chicken!

    (4)

  • Janine G.

    I truly am a lover of Salvadorean and Peruvian food (I am Salvy and married to a Peruvian). I love the mixture of cuisine's here, it's definitely strange, but I love it. I think it's a trend that is growing, the previous looks to be dying (Salvadorean & Mexican). The owner I deal with is always very attentive (haven't dealt with the wife yet). The location is so hard to find, you have to drive 10 mph to see them when driving down Parklawn. The parking is sufficient. I don't mind that it's gravel (unless I'm wearing heels) but this isn't a dress up kinda place so no heels needed, it's a casual sit down sorta restaurant. What I love is the open kitchen, I ordered (to-go) pupusas, platanos fritos and carne asada. I absolutely loved watching the lady make it all on demand, nothing gets warmed up here. Watching her make the pupusas brought back so many wonderful memories of my summers in the countryside of El Salvador (where nothing is premade). I also witnessed a seafood soup being made from scratch. The best part is when you finally dig into the food, not every plate is a hit, but most are amazing. I think they do much better on their Salvadorean food than the Peruvian. The pupusas (try the beans one!) and platano's fritos (platanos fritos), however I wished these came with Salvadorean Dairy Cream, are enough for me to go there everyday. Can't forget the tamales de maiz (corn tamales), those are delish too! In all honesty, I would come here every day if I could. It's a tough tie between this place and La Limena for my #1 favorite restaurant in Rockville. What are you waiting for, just go!

    (5)

  • Maggie F.

    This is the highest rated restaurant in Rockville, so I had to give it a go. Ordered the Taquitos de Pollo for appetizers. Not bad in taste, though the chicken was rather dry. Other than that, it was alright dipping it with sour cream, salsa and guac. Average dish. My friend got the Chicken Enchilladas, which wasn't too bad. Came in a huge plate, and big portions always bring me delight. Came with rice I believe. I got me the big boy Carne Asada. Beef was well marinated... though I would've preferred it to be less tough. Complimented with rice. The strings of potatoes (fries) were the best part of the meal. That I truly enjoyed them because all the sauce was drenched into it, and every bite was flavorful. I think I'll visit again, because I didn't get the whole experience of it all, hence I wasn't blown away enough to provide a 5 star. So AHOY! Watch for my update!

    (4)

  • Lizette H.

    The sides are so small... 2 sides equals one in reality! they are a rip off! The servers couldn't stop rollong her eyes, and when I asked to speak to the supervisor, I told her about how her advertisement on the sides were inaccurate she pointed to the wall where prices for sides were located, and said, "here is the price if you want more fries" Customer service was horrible, I never was treated this way in any restaurant I have been to. Horrible just horrible!

    (1)

  • Michael J.

    My wife and I ate here for the first time yesterday evening. I had the Ceviche for an appetizer and last night's special, the Carne Asada with two grilled shrimp, for my main course. The Ceviche was very good. The Carne Asada was one of the best, if not the best I have ever had. It was very moist and flavorful. I also had the Sangria, which was quite good. My wife had the Papusas for an appetizer and the Lomo Saltado for her main course. She said that both were excellent.

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    Went back the other night and had: Pork with fried yucca appetizer. Really enjoyed this app. Pork was tasty and the yucca steaming hot and crispy and delicious slathered in the sauce, or their green hot sauce. Lomo. My wife got the lomo. We both liked it. I thought it was really good, but if I'm going with the beef, I'm getting the ropa vieja. And the winner is, Pan fired trout: Wow. This blew away my expectations, and is now my go-to entre at La Brasa. I got the one with shrimp. The fish was cooked well and the flavor did not overpower the fish. Sauce again the perfect compliment, but I didn't really get into it that much. Very nice.

    (5)

  • Peter L.

    Love it! The food is great and I am there twice a week for either dinner or lunch...life is great!

    (5)

  • David L.

    A little hard to find. But food was excellent. I had the chicken soup and the tilapia. Seasoned really well.

    (4)

  • Brandy W.

    WOW WOW WOW!! This place was a find. Food was high quality, authentic latin fare packed with flavor. Service was prompt.....only a few tables but worth the wait. Try the Rosa Vieja (sp?)....amazing.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    Diamond in the Rough.... althougth not quite a diamond... and not really the rough... just the middle of nowhere. My girlfriends office just moved to town, and we were looking for a quick bite. This place did the trick. Nothing spectacular (Although i didn't have the chicken) but the steak tacos were delicious, filling, and inexpensive. My girlfriends cheese quesadilla left something to be desired, but hey, it's better than one of the carry-outs.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I was introduced to La Brasa by a friend. I don't know where to start. 1. The food is delicious. Now days is so hard to find a place where that cooks fresh food, for an affordable price. 2. The experience: They have picked the right music. I love to go eat there and enjoy some great music while I am eating. The music is very low, but it sets a great mood. 3. The people: I love the waiters, and waitresses. They all work as a family and they treat the customers like family. 4. The owners: I love the owners. They are a beautiful, hard working couple. Lucy has a great heart. I enjoy talking to her. I recommend this place for everyone who wants to enjoy some delicious food for an affordable price, and still get an amazing dinning experience.

    (5)

  • Jack M.

    Awesome food. The lomo salteado was excellent. Masitas details puerco was also excellent.

    (5)

  • Karen E.

    La Brasa is my favorite Latin restaurant in the area because the food is authentic and delicious! I had driven by the restaurant so many times but never noticed it because it isn't in a retail area. It's in a random spot next to the HHS Parklawn building. If you weren't looking for it and don't work in the immediate area, you probably wouldn't know it was there. The dining room isn't very big and the restaurant is never that busy on weeknights. I've never had to wait for a table and the food never takes that long. Of the dishes I've had, the absolute best is the Bistec Encebollado. I've read other Yelp reviews which say the best thing on the menu is the Carne Asada, but I must disagree. Although delicious, the Carne Asada just isn't as awesome as the Bistec Encebollado. The fajitas are better here than anywhere else I've ordered before. The pupusas are also great. They aren't greasy and each type is delicious, although I'm more likely to order the revueltas or loroco. The salad dressing they serve with the salad that comes on the side of some of the entrees is the best salad dressing I've ever had in my life. I have no idea what's in it, but whatever it is, it's great!

    (5)

  • Kevin W.

    Wow. This place rocks. I saw so many great reviews, so I had to check this out. I went on a busy weeknight, and had to wait for around 20 mins to get a table. I figured there must be a reason why. I got the lomo saltado and it was incredible. I took my girlfriend a few days later, and we both loved our meals again. The owner is very friendly, and the service is great. I will definitely go here again. It is affordable, local, and tasty. Love it.

    (5)

  • Caroline G.

    There probably aren't that many reviews of this place because it is tucked away off of Parklawn, near the HHS buildings. Checked it out tonight for dinner at a friend's recommendation, and it was worth it! The taquitos are packed with meat, the ceviche is all fresh fish (with 2 pieces of yuca (first time i've had it with yuca), revueltas pupusas (pork and cheese) were made to perfection, and the masitas came with fried plantainnssssss yyyyyeeeeeaaa boyyyyy. Maybe i was just hungry, who knows!

    (4)

  • J W.

    Holy crap this place is amazing! I'm here with my wife right now and the tres leches is so good that I'm ignoring her to write this review. Granted, I'm writing with one hand and eating with the other, but still... Amazing!

    (5)

  • Tina C.

    Can I say Yummiee Yummiee! I was recommended to this cozy little latin place by a co-worker and boy was I glad that I got a chance to try this place out! Me and my boyfriend tried the chicken and it came with 3 sides! The sides were large and full filling! We also got pupusas and it is one of the best pupusas that I have ever tried! It is very fresh and I know because I witness the lady making it! Within a week, we been there twice already, and the second time we had carne asada! MMmz! We will definitely be regulars now! Like other posters said, this place is tricky to find! P.S: the owner is great and friendly! It was our first time there and he was really patient! He also gave us a take out menu so we would be able to call in our orders the next time!

    (5)

  • Sathish P.

    The food is great and would go there again. One thing to note is that Chips and Salsa ($3) is not free or complimentary. But that is not a big deal because the food is great, the price is not bad and place is clean.

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    The live music is as authentic as the food. Family owned and run, this spot is an unexpected delight. I have been twice, the first time I got surf and turf, by recomendation of the owner Lucy. It consisted of one nice sized linter tail, steak and side o your choice ( mixed veg was my choice). Cheapest price you can get lobster around. The next time I want I for the half chicken, I would compare the preparation of the chicken to crisp and juicy but with better sauce. I also have tried the ceviche and it is great plus it comes with yucca. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • SteeVee D.

    Don't drive too fast down Parklawn Drive in Rockville or you'll pass this GEM of a restaurant. It's location is a little odd, but once you find La Brasa you won't be disappointed and you WILL come back! Warmly decorated, this lovely little restaurant boasts some of the friendliest staff and best Latin cuisine around town. The ingredients are always fresh (something the owner, Lucy, is very proud of) and every dish has a nice homemade feel to it. The seafood dishes really shine. The rotisserie chicken is fantastic! The desserts (all made in-house) are very very good. There is also a fine selection of wine and Mexican beers to compliment the fine Latin fare. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at La Brasa!

    (5)

  • John Z.

    I love this hole in the wall place. Great atmosphere, clean, and great service.

    (4)

  • Paul D.

    Family owned and run place... Probably one of the most authentic Latin restaurants in the area. Kind of a hole in the wall kind of place b/c it's hidden... but I think it's one of the best kept secrets! Everything is so good here especially the Ceviche and Tres Leches! It's game over when you order any one of those. You can't go wrong with La Brasa. Excellent service, affordable prices, great atmosphere and awesome food!

    (5)

  • J K.

    I was excited to try out this place because I would not have normally found it. It's a standalone building in an awkward location, but it does have its own parking. Service was good. I probably should have tried the masitas de puerco, but I went with the lengua dish (beef tongue) which was a bit watery and bland (it would benefit from a heavier sauce). I also ordered the pollo which was very tasty. Overall, I'd go back again.

    (3)

  • Dorrie H.

    Maybe dine in is better.

    (3)

  • Laura G.

    Everything was cooked perfectly including the jasmine rice and beans. The salsa had kick without interfering with the spices. Everyone loved the freshness. Tres leche cake great not too sweet. The ice tea was strong and good - so often not the case. Loom Salgado tender and the sauce yum. Service was always right on time.

    (5)

  • David M.

    Based on the strength of the reviews we decided last night to stop driving past this place on a semi regular basis and actually go inside and give it a try. Great idea.... This was probably the best dinner experience we've had since moving to DC, all things considered: Location, service, price, and food quality. As I understand from other reviews, this is a family run place. It has that feel. The folks who took care of us were all very friendly and very generous. Attentive, but not overly so. The food was awesome. I had the carne asada and it was probably the best tasting piece of beef I've ever eaten. My wife had the chicken (she got a half, knowing I'd steal my fair share!). Both were really, really good. I'd been dying for some good meat. MEAT, I tell ya. This hit the nail on the head for me. I'm going to have a heck of a time straying from the carne asada whenever I go there. The chicken was great, too. I love a good rotisserie chicken, and these guys nailed it. The sides you should consider are the yuca fries and definitely the fried plantains. Both were great. I also liked the salsa they provide with some chips. It had a nice smokey taste to it. And overall, the price was hard to beat. We had 2 entrees and two apps (a tamale special and a pupusa) and our check was under $25. Had we been at some of the other places we've eaten at, that check would've been double and the food not as tasty. My only knock is the parking. There's a little bit of parking that's paved alongside the restaurant, and then a gravel pit in back. Not a big deal for me, but I could see some folks getting irked by it. I'm glad this place is close to us. I plan to try them for carry out on gym nights (MEAT!). I plan to tell friends about them, too.

    (5)

  • Rani F.

    The lomo saltado and carne asada are the way to go. The ceciche is an awesome appetizer...nice big portion! We're taking the flan to go because we're so stuffed. It's a hole in the wall, but very clean and worth driving a little out of the way. Friendly staff :)

    (4)

  • David P.

    Boom. You are now in America Latina. You start with yuca rellena. You're intrigued at how delicious stuffed yuca can be. Lomo saltado. Wow -- flavourful & delicious. Trucha frita. A delicious piece of fish with just the right amount of seasoning. You have another drink of your Maracuya drink or your Negra Modelo... yes, you're in love with Latin food again (despite many other local Latino restarurants trying their best to ruin that love). What the heck, let's have a banana empanada! Boom.

    (5)

  • Michael B.

    This place seems a bit over-hyped to me. The carne asada was dry and not particularly flavorful. Rice and pico were interesting, and Inca Kola was a great find (I'll have to look for that in other places...), but I was expecting much more from the prior reviews. I was going to try the Tres Leches, which looked very tempting, but there's a lot of "touch the raw meat, then make cake without washing" stuff going on in here and it made me uncomfortable getting anything that wasn't cooked.

    (2)

  • Pete D.

    Simply delicious! This particular review is for the carry-out we got. However, we will definitely revisit this place and sit here to devour the food fresh from their open kitchen, yes, open kitchen. We arrived at an odd hour of the afternoon, let's just say it was an early dinner, but there were a few tables inside of this 25 person restaurant. We arrived at the counter, asked for some recommendations, and placed our order. Pupusas - One chicken and queso, the other pork and queso. Both were good, but I can't say it was awesome. I would say they were if I had them in the restaurant because I know where was a nice crispy crust on the outside of the corn tortilla-like flat bread. Carne Asada - Wifey and I had this and man, did I enjoy it (I can still taste it as I'm typing this). The steak is marinated so well, very tender, and dripping with oh my goodness love. This is a must try and I highly recommend it. Roto Chicken - A nice crispy crust on the outside and done well. Pretty tasty and has a nice dry rub to it. The sauces that it's served with are decent, I've had better elsewhere. Another quick comment to the carne asada is that I typically would get the lomo saltado if it's on the menu, but the server recommended the carne asada so I went with it. Man, were they correct. Great choice and again, recommended. The roto chicken came with a chicken tortilla soup which was decent, nothing special here. It also was served with some cole slaw which was also mediocre. The other dishes are served with white rice and pico de gallo. Both side items were good. Here's a tip, if you don't care for the two sides it comes with, ask the server to change it up for you. They have a wall of sides to choose from. We'll definitely be back and I can't wait to try the other items on their menu. Again, not a large restaurant and kind of tucked away. There is parking in the back, so don't be worried if the initial area is full as you pull into the lot.

    (4)

  • M D.

    Had a great late lunch here with an old friend. I wanted to try the chicken after seeing the yelp reviews but instead opted for the roast pork (which might have been a special since I don't see it on their online menu). The food was great, although the back beans were a bit uninspired but I loved the pork and the plantains. Since my friend was late we missed the lunch crowd that looked pretty formidable and by the end of our meal we had the place pretty much to ourselves, But no one frowned at us for staying way too long after our meal catching up. (Thanks for that!)

    (4)

  • Wesley T.

    Definitely the best food in the area (very few choices anyway..). Service is a little slow, but its pretty casual. The chicken and the lomo saltado are great. The pupusas are also great.

    (5)

  • Kimberly D.

    La brass is an excellent place to have lunch if you are in Rockville. The staff is excellent, and the food is always delicious....try the rotisserie chicken, steak tacos, or steak enchiladas....sooooooo good my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

    (5)

  • Duy N.

    first time i've been here. first time i had pupusas or lomo saltado. pupusas are ok, but i need to try more places to get a better feel for the dish. the lomo saltado was pretty good. it's a dish comprising strips or sirloin marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and spices with tomatoes, red onions, and parsley served over french fires with rice according to wiki, which is pretty accurate. it was pretty good all in all. i'd like to try some other dishes here. 3.5 stars oh yeah, the ambiance. it's a nice place in the middle of parklawn. it's the most random site ever, but inside is nice and welcoming. definitely a gem.

    (4)

  • Barry S.

    The flavor is truly "as good as it gets." When I was growing up ... I would starve myself waiting until about 7:30pm when a Spanish friend's parents would finally get home ... finish chores ... and make a nice home cooked meal. THIS IS THAT MEAL. The Sopa De Pollo had the perfect amount of flavor. The Lomo Saltado was flavorful down to the last drippings (which perfectly drenched the rice). The Tacos al Carbon (while a bit pricey ... two tacos for $9.50?) were also excellent. We also tried the chicken which was rated as "good" to "great" by our table. The only reason we don't give this five stars is it was a wee bit pricey for what we got. Flavor is five stars for sure. If though it's out of the way ... go get it ... enjoy!

    (4)

  • Andy W.

    Thoroughly enjoyed our evening at La Brasa. I picked this based on Yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. The "ambience" is basically school cafeteria (a.k.a. non-existent), but the drink and food are delicious. We had a pitcher of Sangria and couldn't even finish it. Delicious and almost bottomless. Corn chips were crunchy and almost meaty -- delicious -- although the salsa was a little on the watery side. Appetizer was Ceviche, with a very generous helping of large chunks of white fish. I'm more accustomed to shrimp in Ceviche, but this tasted just as expected and we ate it all. Dinner was trout and flank steak. Both were excellent, prepared to taste, and accompanied by appropriate and tasty sides. The service was appropriate -- prompt but non-intrusive. The bill for all of that was about $52 before tip, so very reasonable. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • tania c.

    Thanks to yelp, we found this restaurant during a recent trip. We had the recommended shrimp appetizer and it was delicious. The shrimp were large, fresh, and packed full of flavor. The tacos were pretty good, the prices reasonable, and the atmosphere friendly. I would certainly and have already recommended it to my friends.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    Really really good. Not terribly easy to find but worth the trip. I had the shrimp with tomatoes, as well as the chicken. Tried the pork dish as well. All three were delicious. Service was great. Ambience was nice. Not formal, not fast food. Will return again for sure to try other things.

    (5)

  • Elissar K.

    Authentic Peruvian chicken and Salvadoran pupusas make Elissar a very happy girl. And this isn't just any Peruvian chicken: it has the most perfectly crisp skin the most tender meat, and a subtle but tasty amount of seasoning. This place doesn't look or feel like its industrial park location suggests. The decor is not too shabby and most importantly, it's clean. Service is attentive, friendly, and the food comes out quickly (but not at a scary microwave speed). I am seriously jealous of the yelpers who work near La Brasa!

    (4)

  • Grant D.

    Been frequenting La Brasa since it opened. Best chicken around. Get extra "yellow sauce."

    (5)

  • C M.

    My friend took me here for the first time- I'm so glad he did because I never would have found this tucked away little restaurant on my own. I had the chicken with two sides (rice/beans and fried plantains) and loved it. Make sure you save room for some tres leches for dessert!

    (5)

  • Alison C.

    This is one of my favorite places to eat in Rockville. The location is a little out of the way, and the parking lot can be hard to maneuver, but the food is definitely worth it. You get authentic, delicious Peruvian food for a great price. The service here is always good as well. The chicken is always wonderful and comes with two great sides. I'm also a fan of the carne tacos and the yucca con cicarron. On my last visit I tried the lomo saltado and replaced the fries with yuca. This made it perfect and now I have a new favorite dish.

    (4)

  • Greg R.

    La Brasa is outrageously good. It's ashame that Rockville doesn't have more places like this, at least that I've found. The prices are very reasonable, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and above all the food is served at a very high quality. The rotisserie chicken is great, along with all the sides, but several of the authentic latin dishes are what I would recommend. Most of all the enchiladas which are the best I've ever had. They pull the rotisserie chicken off the bone and place it in the enchiladas; just amazing. ~grc

    (5)

  • Jinshil L.

    3 stars for the lomo saltado, good quality beef, decent portion +1 for the service, our waiter was kind and attentive, free tortilla chips w/ salsa

    (4)

  • Donna C.

    This restaurant is in the weirdest location ever. It's on a windy road in the middle of ugly office buildings. It stands alone in it's lot and is totally out of place. Surprisingly though, the inside is nicely decorated. Since I'd heard great things about the chicken, I had to order it. It was fabulous! The chicken was moist, tender and flavorful. I think I like the flavor of this chicken slightly better than Crisp and Juicy. There was just slightly more to it. The rice and black beans are really nice too and you get a big salad to go with it. I think next time, I'll try some of their pupusas.

    (4)

  • Roll T.

    3.50 stars. La Brasa has a small following for its Peruvian style rotisserie chicken. If people had any sense, it would be a throng. Then again, maybe they are intelligent as one would have to make a trip to suburbian Rockville to find this place. Having said that, if one can find perfectly marinated chicken with a succulent fried crust where you can find hints of smoky red from the cooking process that somehow does not completely compromise the moistness of the chicken, then maybe suburbia has it right. Or maybe I'm just getting older. It doesn't matter. It stuns me that a number of prominent Yelpers who love their Peruvian chicken (Lester and Su, I'm looking square at both of you) haven't added this place to their list of Peruvian ventures across Maryland and Virginia. Even if they haven't, you should. While I like the moistness of the chicken at Super Pollo (Arlington, VA), La Brasa arguably has the better spice base. I'd rank it just ahead of El Pollo Rico (Arlington, VA) and right behind Super Pollo in the echelon of Peruvian chicken stalwarts. So why the lower star count? Well, I'm less impressed with everything else La Brasa has to offer. The lomo soltado featured disappointingly tough, chewy cuts of meat. While a number of individuals love how the fries soak up all the juices from the tasty marinade, I just thought it created unappealing soggy fries. I liked the accompanying green sauce and the onions dipped in the marinade. However, I certainly had higher hopes for this dish. I prefer the lomo soltado at Inti (Washington, DC). Similarly, the fried yucca was inconsistent. I found a couple of pieces that were still on the raw side. The yucca at Super Pollo (Arlington, VA) is my strong preference. We sampled all of their pupusas; the best ones were the non-meat options. The accompanying cabbage was lightly flavored and did not appear to have any added vinegar. Frankly, they were nothing special. Still, the chicken really is pretty amazing and it should be mentioned that there are a number of other dishes at La Brasa that could potentially be interesting and/or remarkable. As a result, it is definitely worth the trip if one lives in close proximity and might even be justifiable as a Peruvian chicken destination for those obsessed with finding the best one in the extended DC region.

    (3)

  • Priscilla R.

    Very good! For our first visit we thought we'd try a couple different appetizers. Pupusas weren't greasy and the tamales were moist and flavourful. I'd skip the taquitos next time (they were dry and overly crisp) and try the Lomo Saltado, almost every table around us had either the Lomo Saltado or the chicken with beans and rice and yucca and their plates were clean when they were cleared! That many people can't be wrong. Would definitly go again.

    (4)

  • Sindy A.

    This is my favorite place. Everything is delicious, fresh and inexpensive. The owners treat their regulars like family. They are always warm and friendly. The food is made to order. I miss my mom's cooking but when I come here it feels like home. When we finish eating I find myself thinking of the old spanish saying, "Estomago lleno, corazon contento."

    (5)

  • Roz D.

    A find. Everything is yummy, fresh and inexpensive. Excellent service and cozy atmosphere. This is the kind of place I have few words for because I worry that if it gets too many good reviews I won't be able to get a seat!

    (5)

  • Clifford M.

    You cannot call this a neighborhood restaurant because it is in a light industrial area away from the hustle and bustle of the Pike. It is right next door to the massive Health and Human Services complex but once you know your way there, you will be back - and then often at that. The owners, a husband and wife team, are hard working, and often take your order themselves. The food is fabulous. I like the broth (Sopa De Res) which is just like grandma made it - a large bowl filled with soup-meat, carrots, vegetables, and even a piece of corn. Last visit the owner brought an extra bowl and allowed us to split it. Another favorite is the ceviche which is chilled, consistently delicious and enough to share. My latest visit I ordered the chicken enchilada because it looked so delicious - and it sure was! It seems the patrons are all like me - don't mind going a mile off the beaten path to find something pleasantly different with good food and service. No doubt, we will be back soon.

    (5)

  • Ricky C.

    Love, love, love, love this place! Great food for a very reasonable price. I work next door to this little offshoot from any major road but it's well worth the trip if you can make it. I eat here at least two, sometimes three times a week for lunch. I love the chicken that is charcoal-roasted and has the most flavorful spices rubbed all over it. The carne asada is delicious as are the tacos (traditional with soft shell). If you're looking for a good value, great taste and a friendly staff this is the place to be.

    (5)

  • Steve D.

    I've been eating at La Brasa since 2002 and I'm still a loyal customer. The food is clean and delicious. I have tried every item on there menu and its all good from their chicken to their civiche. There was only one item that I didn't like and is now off the menu and it was there roasted ribs. It didn't have enough seasoning or salt. But everything they offer is good and with good prices.

    (5)

  • Lee C.

    I came here after reviewing all the great reviews on yelp and it definitely lived up to the hype. My friend and I ordered the Fried Pork with Yucca as an appetizer, and I had the half chicken. The food was fresh and delicious! The prices were also excellent, and I think this place is definitely a do-over!!

    (5)

  • D C.

    So my friend convinced me to come here & try the Peruvian chicken. And it was real good, a party of flavors in your mouth. The dipping sauces also added flavor. The yuca is good but the plantains are kinda dry. Overall the chicken is banging! and I've heard other things are good to that i haven't tried. Definitely going back again.

    (4)

  • Michelle W.

    I have driven past this place many times but avoided it because of the location. Now I am kicking myself in the behind for waiting so long to try it! La Brasa has the best homemade flour and corn tortillas I have tasted in the Midatlantic (I moved to Maryland from Texas 11 years ago). The fresh corn tortillas are thick and chewy with a good corn flavor. The flour tortillas are toasted but pliable and soft. They offer a transcontinental menu of latin cuisine. Salvadoran pupusas, peruvian pollo encebollado, mexican carne asada, tex-mex fajitas... I'm not sure about the authenticity of each dish, but it works out wonderfully. I ordered takeout, getting the pupusas, tamales, carne asada and beef fajitas. It was way too much, but my boyfriend and I have big eyes and the leftovers made a great lunch. The loroco pupusas were yummy cheesy gooey. The tamales were good as well (fluffy and moist), but I'm a fan of tex-mex tamales (less fluffy, more meaty). Although they weren't the traditional cut of skirt steak, the carne asada & fajitas were surprisingly tender and flavorful. And most amazingly, they were cooked just right with nice pink in the middle. Other restaurants tend to underprepare and then overcook these dishes. The rice was very good (something else that other places tend to mess up). The beans were simple but tasty. The owner was very friendly and helpful. I love that it's family owned and I'm definitely headed back to try the other menu items and get my hands on some more tortillas.

    (4)

  • Chand A.

    Hi, I totally agree with Carne Asada is tasty...but, @ 9.99 it is like an appetizer :( ... don't try Empanadas! --crao

    (3)

  • Jeannifer B.

    ....from washington dc to rockville?!!...i dont even care how traffic it is in rockville pike!!!!...all i want is my BEST and DELICIOUS ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AT ALL TIMEs!!!!!!!!!....Thumbs up LA BRASA!!!

    (5)

  • Ron B.

    The bill was a little pricier than I had hoped, but the food was good.

    (4)

  • PIstachio B.

    It's been a year since my last review and they've since expanded their menu to add on dishes like ropa vieja (which was good and sweeter--think raisins--than other places) and pollo a la parilla which was soo tasty and light. I also didn't mention in my first review how great their chips n salsa are. They're still making awesome food and always offering great service!

    (4)

  • Mike J.

    BINGO!! Excellent food and wonderful service. My wife and I enjoyed our experience here!

    (4)

  • BJ M.

    You will not be dissapointed! I could eat here EVERY day. And the prices are VERY reasonable. Try the Tacos al Carbon, or the rotissirie chicken that they cook over the seasoned charcoals.. Or the fried plantains. Everything is fantastic. The owner is hands on & makes sure you are satisfied.

    (5)

  • Mary L.

    I have been searching for new restaurants to try in Rockville and I found this place and decided to check it out. I was so glad that I did. Thus far, I have only done take out by calling on the phone ahead of time, but I have been really pleased with the food I got. Like most people have mentioned, the carne asada and lomo saltada were absolutely delicious. The fries in the lomo soak up the juice and are extremely yummy. The meat is really good because I think they probably marinaded it beforehand and then cooked it. You can request different sides than the ones they give you, all you have to do is ask. I like the fried plantains because they're juicy and sweet, mmmmm. The pupusas weren't bad. I think they would taste better at the restaurant because they would have been crispier but the flavor was still pretty good. The rotisserie chicken is delicious too. It's flavorful and still moist. If you want something sweet, get the tres leches. The sauce in the bottom is really sweet and I try to make the cake soak up as much of it as possible. One of the reasons I really like this place is because when I call and try to pronounce some of the names of the dishes in my terrible Spanish accent, the man on the phone is very nice about my butchering the name of the dish. When I finally got it right, he even said "very good," not being condescending at all, unlike some places. Also, when I have gone recently, they always help me carry out my food, since I am a little bit gimpy right now due to a bad ankle sprain earlier this summer. Overall, very nice people and very good food.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth W.

    I work nearby La Brasa and it is my favorite lunch place, and take-out dinner place! The dining room is smallish, and if you come at around noon, it's packed. No wonder, the food is very reasonable priced and delicious. I try to get something different every time, and everything I've had is very good. The chicken really is amazing!! I've had the burrito, chimichangas, enchiladas and pollo criollo - all to die for. Also tried the yuca con chicarron and it was pretty good. I'm not big on pork, so it wasn't my favorite, but I still gobbled it up pretty quick. The pupusas and other vegetable sides (mmm yuca) are good too! And the sauces to go with the chicken! MMmmm I think i'm going to go there for lunch now, and try the carne asada the other yelpers are talking about. :) And yes, the staff are all lovely people - I really like them there! Update! I went back and tried the carne asada one day and another day the lomo saltado! Both so very yummy!! Another update! I got a new job in DC and now I don't work by La Brasa anymore and I'm a sad panda. Had my farewell lunch there though and tried an entree with shrimp for the first time - delicious! I miss you Emilio!!

    (5)

  • Katherine K.

    La Brasa is quite possibly Rockville's best-kept secret. It's located in what looks like an industrial park in the ass-end of Rockville but serves some of the best rotisserie chicken I've ever tasted. La Brasa is family-owned, and you'll find that if you become a frequent diner the owners will learn your names and favorite dishes. As mentioned, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the Carne Asada is perfectly cooked to your liking. Lately I've been hooked on their Loma Saltado and pupusas. Dine inside as the scenery outside is not much to look at unless gas stations are your thing. But the food is what counts here, and La Brasa never disappoints.

    (5)

  • Don D.

    Great food, quaint atmosphere. I had the combo platter with 1 tamale, and 2 enchiladas. The food was some of the best Mexican (I say Mexican, but it's not really, just what I'm used to) I've had. The tamale was more potato than chicken, but everything had a tender taste to it. The waitress I think spoke to me in half Spanish half English as she was saying some things I couldn't understand, which I guess is good since it seems more authentic. The place is in a back area off Rockville Pike, with a dirt parking lot in back, feels like it's hidden. However, it was also busy so people are willing to come to this place. If I wanted to take someone to a "Mexican" restaurant in the area, I'd choose this one.

    (4)

  • Pinki P.

    This place is a bit small, and looks a tad outdated as far as decor goes.. but the food was great, and the service was soooo wonderful. The chef, whom seemed like the owner, went out of his way to come out and tell me the Lomo Saltado i ordered in medium rare would not be good cooked that way. Instead he said it should be cooked well done in order to get the full taste of how it's supposed to be. He said if I didn't want it that way, then he suggested I get the Carne Asada instead. I listened to him and went with the Lomo Saltado being well done and it was yummmmmy!! He later came and asked us if we liked hot sauce and brought out a special homemade hot sauce for us. He was constantly checking up on us to see how we were doing.. He must be the nicest person ever in the restaurant business :) Definitely coming back here again.

    (5)

  • Ami F.

    This place is a great find!! We have been here several times and intend to keep coming back. The Carne Asada is amazing - the staff recommended medium well and it did not disappoint (you can pick any two sides you want). The pupusa revueltas are also great. It may be a little pricier than needed, but not by much. They have quick and friendly service, and the staff is pretty nice. It is a small place but they keep it up well. On Friday or Saturday nights they sometimes have a musician playing in the corner (it's a small space) which seemed a bit cheezy and distracting, but it also kinda added to the fun. This is one of the best places in the area, I highly recommend! Also, their chicken is good, but I still prefer Crisp N Juicy's better.

    (5)

  • Leila T.

    Not many options as a vegetarian, but they'll create some for you if you ask. The homemade pupasas were delicious (black bean and cheese), as well as the frijoles y arroz. A word of caution: my boyfriend ordered the fajitas and bit into a green pepper which turned out to be a jabanero pepper aka the pepper that burns every cell on your tongue and makes your lips sting, your eyes tear, your nose run, and your gums swell.

    (4)

  • Michael W.

    I work only one block away from La Brasa and therefore go there quite often. The staff is very friendly, the food is very good and the portion quite big. So far I haven't found something that I don't like there. I particularly like the hard chicken taquitos and the Chicken Chimichanga, although most often I go for the rotisserie quarter chicken with rice, beans and fried yuca (yummy). The flan that they make is also outstanding (I highly recommend).

    (4)

  • serena t.

    a hidden gem in the moco restaurant wasteland. looks like a hole in the wall from the outside but inside it was actually quite pleasant. we had sangria (i wouldn't get it again-tasted cheap) but the rest of the food was fantastic. my dad had the carne asada tacos and i got the Lomo- the quality and flavor of the meat really surprised both of us! it was delicious and cooked perfectly. some complaints- not sure why the Lomo came with french fries.. they got soggy in the sauce and cut potatoes would have worked much better in my opinion. also the waiter, to make it less awkward in asking for my ID, for some reason tried to also guess my father's age.. and said he was OLDER than what he was! First of all.. inappropriate. And somewhat insulting. Though we didn't complain or act offended I didn't appreciate his behavior. Then another staff member checked my ID twice because yes, i look young, but come ON, it was lunch and a glass of sangria (and I'm 23, and with my father.) this place could stand to train their employees better but the food made up for the "innocently rude" comments and annoyance with my ID.

    (4)

  • Merissa D.

    I love this place! I discovered it two years ago when I came with a group of friends, and it hasn't been until recently that I've been frequenting it. The food is so delicious...I feel like I'm getting a home-cooked meal every time I come here...and those chips....addicting. Definitely getting your money's worth (and it's not badly priced either).

    (5)

  • Maria K.

    Ok, wasn't a huge fan of the chicken (I still think Chicken on the Run in Bethesda is my favorite for Peruvian chicken), nor was I a huge fan of their ceviche (not that those were terrible, just wouldn't be my go to items on the menu), but I honestly can't stop thinking of this place. Their lomo saltado was excellent, as was some grilled shrimp dish. Their tres leches.... divine! It's a really random location, but well worth the hunt.

    (5)

  • Bettie K.

    food is excellent! twice a month i get there whole chicken with 3 sides. the chicken is seasoned very well. its tender and juicy. i love this place!!

    (5)

  • valentina k.

    Great service and good food! Fish tacos and ceviche are really good! Sangria is delicious!

    (4)

  • Kim A.

    Great food and service. Food is incredible, and the restaurant is located conveniently right off the pike. Things can get a little busy around lunch time, so it would be advised to call ahead for carry out, or arrive a little earlier or later than the usual lunch rush to eat in. The papusas, enchiladas and fried plantains are all amazing. Everything is authentic, cooked fresh, and delicious.

    (4)

  • Merida F.

    Fantastic! The food and atmosphere is always great. I always get the Chicken Saltado and it is great!

    (5)

  • Monica V.

    My boyfriend and I came across La Brasa via Yelp and were pleasantly surprised with our first, second, and third dining experiences! I manage and he serves within the DC restaurant scene, so it's nice to take a break from the city and find a down to earth place to relax, eat delicious food, and receive attentive service for a reasonable price. On our first visit we had the pupusas, I had the Carne Asada special (w/ shrimp and tostones!), and he had the chimichanga -- delicious!! Our second visit, he had the Ropa Vieja and I had one of the other steak specials with egg ... again, super tasty! Our third visit, I had the Lomo Saltado and he opted for Ropa Vieja again (it was sooo good). The Lomo was alright, but I would venture to try other items off the menu .... which brings me to my fourth visit in less than a month ... a rarity for me! I took my mother to dinner and had the fajitas. Just when I thought I had already tried their star dishes, La Brasa proved me wrong ... I need to keep returning and trying more off their menu. Every visit is seemingly as delicious (if not more than) as the last!

    (5)

  • Katherine W.

    Yumm! Healthy and delicious fresh - great plantains papusa and enchiladas. We loves their spicy green sauce.

    (5)

  • Anna W.

    The food is great! Fresh, authentic, great choices, and good prices. Its quick service and very kind, smiley employees too! I had the chicken on a salad.. and the chicken was juicy, flavorful and a big portion. It really tastes like ethnic home cooked food. I was eyeing someone who got the salmon on the salad... it looked delicious, I want to go back and try the salmon, it was a huge piece of fish. Not sure I would go out of the way driving to go here, but if you work in the neighborhood its a perfect lunch place and they have indoor/outdoor seating.

    (4)

  • Meghan G.

    When La Brasa first opened after over a year of labor-of-love style remodeling of a run down deli on a backstreet, I was one of the first people in the door. Being that it was literally next door to my apartment, I became literally an addict for their juicy amazing carne asada. The family that runs the place is as sweet at their homemade tres leches cake. Their menu ranges from sandwiches to salads to an assortment of Salvadorian entrees that will leave you drooling for more. My personal faves are their $10 carne asada dinner (bests all others hands down), pupusas, their charcoal roasted rotisserie chicken that melts in your mouth and their refreshing horchata. La Brasa is truly a hidden gem in Rockville.

    (5)

  • Michael A.

    Honest food prepared and served by nice people. This restaurant is a little small and nothing fancy about it but you will get a good meal for your money. Open kitchen so you can see your food preparation. Clean and yes I know it need some updates but if you come for the food just don't mind the decor. BEST PUPUSAS in this area PERIOD! Also you have to try their Ropa Vieja soooo good!

    (5)

  • Gustavo H.

    This Pan-American restaurant spreads itself too thin across one too many regions. If you're Peruvian, or if you're familiar with comida criolla, you'll probably be underwhelmed, e.g. shredded lettuce in the ceviche, no sweet potato, bitter leche de tigre, etc..., chicharron and yuca frita is also a bit off the mark, but tasty nonetheless. The lomo saltado was fair. Again, if your reference point for Latin food is Mexican, then there's plenty of that and more.

    (3)

  • Caroline L.

    Yummmm. I love Chipotle's rice and this comes close. Have only gone twice and tried their lomo saltado that everyone was raving about. It definitely was worth it. I tried their carne asada the second time and it was pretty good - perhaps a bit overcooked. Tried their tres leches which might have been my favorite one so far. It's a tiny restaurant but very popular so you might have to wait during peak hours. Parking is also a bit tight.

    (4)

  • KB L.

    I've driven the stretch of road by Twin Brook Metro dozens of times and never noticed La Brasa. I was fortunate to have read the reviews and made it my lunch destination. Great food, especially the carne-dishes. Friendly staff. Ambiance is good for its off-the-beaten track location. Parking is tight with the strong lunch crowd and many construction projects going on in the area.

    (5)

  • Dennis A.

    I have been there since day 1 .... This is the best restaurant in Rockville area !!! Try the Masitas, my favorite dish! Everybody is so friendly there, the food is always fresh and yamyy !!!

    (5)

  • Angie R.

    I always enjoy to come here! The food and the service are excellent . 100% recommend it. I love the tacos al carbon. Really good , love it

    (5)

  • Jéssica N.

    My family has been going to La Brasa since they opened and we can't get enough! If we're not going in for dinner we're ordering carry out. Hands down the best rotisserie chicken in town. And omg.... The tres leches cake is SOOOOOOO good. Love the fact that it's a family owned business and that when I sit down and they already know my order :)

    (5)

  • Emily P.

    Note: Really hard to find! If you don't Parklawn very well, definitely plug the address into your GPS. Onto the food. Everything looked really good on the menu. My two friends and I decided to share everything: Carne Asada (this was good, but not AWESOME as most yelp reviews claimed; I didn't find the meat to be particularly tender); pupusas (one cheese and pork; the other, cheese and green beans - hard to taste the filling, but it was very cheesy); mesida (pork with the plantains - great sauce and sweet plantains!); Camarones Entomatados (shrimp was succulent). I really want to try other things on this menu! Plan to come back!

    (4)

  • Alex A.

    I only have one thing to say about La Brasa. A waiter could have come up to me, called my Mom a whore, and punched me in the face multiple times during my meal, and I'd still give this place five stars. Why? Because the food is *just that good.* Seriously, if you drive by this place, no one would blame you for dismissing it as just another hole in the wall. It's a tiny shack situated on Parklawn Drive, wedged in between a parking lot and something insipid like a 7-Eleven. If you do step inside, you'll be treated to an interior decor that's a bland as the food is flavorful. From the first bite to the last, everything that was served was tasty, well-cooked, fresh, and satisfying. The fact that the two courses and dessert I consumed came with reasonably priced and tasty wine pretty much sealed the deal. To recap: great, expedient, and friendly service. Reasonably priced food that's delicious and flavorful beyond mortal comprehension.

    (5)

  • P F.

    I was really impressed with this restaurant. I give it a solid five stars for the quality of the food and the price point! The space is somewhat small. I don't think there were more than 10 tables in this place. I went on a quiet weeknight and was seated right away, but I can see how getting a seat might be hard on a busier night of the week. The service was great! Very attentive and really nice staff. The complimentary chips and salsa were great! I had the lomo saltado the first time I was there and the steak burrito the second time. They were both very delicious and the ingredients tasted very fresh. I just wish the portion sizes were larger. I will definitely be back. I think next time I will go with a few friends and order a couple of dishes so I can try more of a variety of dishes.

    (5)

  • Charlotte G.

    This is my favorite Latin Cuisine place in the DMV area! The staff is amazing, the food is always perfect, and prices are extremely reasonable. I have gone here several times for date night, dinner with friends, and girl's dinner- with a great experience every time. Appetizers, entrees and desserts have all been delicious. The staff doesn't mind explaining the menu items if you're curious, substituting sides or recommending something to eat if you can't decide. If you're in the mood for some good, simple, done-right latin food then you have to try this place!

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    A well-deserved 5 stars. Every bite of my dinner was delicious. This is a no-bullshit, no fuss, serious place to eat. There should be a cheering crowd in the parking lot every time this restaurant opens its doors. I don't even know what kind of latin food I ate, but it was fucking exquisite. And. And yes, you will sit next to that Snapple fridge and you will love fucking love it.

    (5)

  • Mary L.

    This place makes you feel like home.. I can't believe we didn't know about this place earlier. The combination of central And South American food is just great. I savored every bite of my food. We had the the chicken Saltado and tacos de lengua. The flavors are incorporated in the whole dish. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable of the menu. We will def go back!

    (5)

  • Jonny V.

    I've been pleased with all of my meals at La Brasa. Delicious no-frills food and good service are this restaurant's hallmarks. Things to note: A few friends have told me that the whole roasted chicken is better than most local options, so I should probably give that a try sooner rather than later... I'm docking one star because a) the place can get unnecessarily cramped, and b) their sangrias could use a little more sophistication.

    (4)

  • Duy V.

    I've been here twice and both times were great! The first time I had the carne asada and it was delicious. The second was lomo saltado and it was also great. The meat is tender and tasty. I wish I could go back here more often but whenever I am in Maryland Rockville area I want to go here. It smells just divine when you go in and it seems pretty legit because I've seen a lot of Latin Americans frequenting it. The service is great and the only downside is parking situation and location. I won't hesitate to come back.

    (4)

  • Juris M.

    It's a few years later and I still stand by my original rating. For family birthdays we will even order a whole tray of the tres leches dessert (give them at least 24 hours notice to prepare a whole tray). I went there a couple days ago and their quality has not dipped. I have ALWAYS left here satisfied! They even know now to bring be extra pink sauce with my yucca :) Still family run, still super friendly and still one of my favorite restaurants!

    (5)

  • Jessica D.

    Affordable and seriously tasty food. My husband and I tried the Carne Asada and Lomo Saltado which were excellent and a deal at about $10 each. Had the tres leches cake for dessert even though we were already stuffed, but it was the best tres leches we've ever had and devoured it. I read on a previous review that the ambiance wasn't much but we liked it, the lights were dim and there was some nice music playing in the background. It wasn't too crowded either on a Friday night, we were seated right away, although there was just enough people there to know its a good spot. Definitely recommend!

    (5)

  • Fred-Patrice B.

    We have only gotten take-out from La Brasa, but every time we go in, the place is busy! Their Peruvian chicken is really good. The spices are a little smokey, but really only flavor the skin. The chicken is perfectly cooked and really tender. However, those spicy flavors don't quite make it to the meat, as other Peruvian chicken places have mastered. Sauce definitely enhances the experience and gives the chicken a boost of flavor. Both yellow (mild) and pink (spicy) are heavily mayo based. You need to ask for the green stuff specifically and be ready to invest an additional .25 cents to your chicken eating experience. Totally worth it. (In fact, go ahead and mix the green sauce into the yellow for perfect dipping.) Sides are very good. Platanos fritos are delicious. Rice and beans, yuca, fries, yellow rice--they have more options and it's nice to be able to change it up. We've tried other Peruvian chicken places in the area, but keep coming back here. Their prices are quite reasonable and the folks here are super friendly.

    (5)

  • Drea P.

    Went here with my husband on a Thursday night. The restaurant is a little hard to find in a somewhat industrial area. Upon entering we were greeted to a very cheery little dining room. There was a mix of couples and families dining. We were seated right away, folks who came in after had a short wait, but it didn't seem like anyone waited too long for a table. They also seem to do a good deal of carry out business. We were greeted by our friendly server right away. They have a decent wine selection, the server recommended an Argentinian Pinot Noir which I enjoyed. They have an average beer list, but my husband was very happy with the one he got. Based on our server's recommendations we tried the chicken-cheese and herb-cheese pupusas which were very good. I had the Carne Asada which was excellent. My husband ordered a chicken and vegetable dish that he enjoyed. Based on other's recommendations, we ordered the tres leches cake for dessert and were not disappointed. Overall: A great casual dinner, reasonably priced with very friendly and attentive service. We will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    They have amazing food and are a super friendly staff. I typically get the carne asada and a tres leche. I don't have a single complaint about this place.

    (5)

  • James D.

    Cheese pupusas to die for! Their veggie enchiladas aren't too bad either!

    (5)

  • Jamie H.

    I had the chicken fajita and my bf had the steak Chimichanga. Both were amazing, the service was great and our server was very friendly. Enjoyed my dinner here.

    (5)

  • Sisley C.

    The reviews for this place were really high and I've heard from a few friends to try this place. And I'm glad I did! This place is no romantic or trendy spot. It's in a weird spot and dingy parking lot. It's not trashy inside or outside, but not beautiful either. I don't usually go out to eat Latin food since I'm not a huge fan of it. But boy... this place was good. I got the carne asada, which was exceptional. The meat was tender and flavorful. The lime rice that came with it was also so good. I am a huge fan of lime rice, and this stuff is good. And at $10.50, you have to get it. I also got the pupusa revueltas. What. Cheesy. Goodness. My guest got the beef fajitas and said it was one of the best ones he's had on the East coast. I tried the beef and it was tasty as well! The service was really good as well. I always had my water refilled like a five star restaurant. The only thing that was odd was that the server asked if we were done and cleaned up our plates and whatnot, but we didn't get the bill until like 15 minutes later... Even though he was walking around aimlessly. But hey, whatever. Take me back now!

    (5)

  • Ilona B.

    We had the trout and tilapia dishes and they were excellent. The yuca with pork and plantains were great too. The server was attentive and the prices reasonable. The place is pretty small so I can see how there would be a wait during peak times. However there's plenty of parking. Overall an excellent choice for a casual lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth P.

    I came here with my parents when I first moved to Rockville. It is kind of hard to find and not really next to much else, but I'm glad I heard about it from yelp! The food was REALLY tasty. I had the La Brasa salad with steak which was perfectly marinated and juicy. My parents enjoyed their dishes as well. I have not been back, but more due to a hectic schedule, I will definitely return the next time I am looking for a great plate at a reasonable place in town!

    (4)

  • Ben B.

    Best Carne Asada I have ever had. Go here at all costs- actually at low price. A half chicken and 2 sides was less than $9! So good!

    (5)

  • Katie C.

    This place is close to my job, i came to eat at 12 ish and it was pretty full so i ordered to go thinking it would be quicker. i got the tacos al carbon chicken and taquitos it was good my co workers decided to just get some chicken. Now here goes the bad part, i understand it was busy that day but alot of people BEHIND me ordered their food and left while i waited 25 minutes!!. When i asked the guy at the front i think he is the owner he very RUDELY said " there are other people ahead you of who ordered first" Obviously i know that but when people behind got their food first and i was STILL waiting i was annoyed. If i ever come again i will phone order at least 30 minutes ahead.

    (3)

  • Anya M.

    Love this place. Everything I've tried on the menu is absolutely delicious. I come here regularly and don't think I've been disappointed even once. The pupusas are amazingly perfect. La Brasa is consistently a notch better than everything else in the area.

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    Flavorful platter of chicken enchiladas for moi Moist poultry seasoned well inside Topped deliciously with tomatillo and ranchera sauce Par yellow rice but good bounce to the black beans Inca kola to sip in between - creamy yellow He requested white meat only for his chicken burrito Tasty with same sides as mine Hubs grants 3.5 stars for the burrito Courteous, attentive, and timely servers 'Bout 9 tables inside seating mostly 4 to a table Some outdoor seating seems available 'Twas raining the day we experienced this spot "Natural" parking lot at the back Both dishes under $8 and quells the belly Several regulars ordered meals to go I'll copy that

    (4)

  • Will H.

    I've been going here pretty frequently throughout the week with a coworker. The one thing that's been bothering me is this: The disparity with the number of sauce containers given, regardless of food quantity. If you order a half chicken with sides, you get 2. You order a half chicken, you get the same amount. I think it would be fair to include one more sauce, or at least fill the existing 2 up to the top. I always find myself rationing the sauce just to finish my chicken. No complaints otherwise, but I think it's good to note. I brought this up to the owner and he wasn't really interested in talking about it...

    (3)

  • Juliette E.

    Excellent food!!! The popusas, lomo saltado, rotisserie chicken and Carne asada were amazing!

    (5)

  • Meredith C.

    Very small restaurant but delicious! I had the carne asada and my boyfriend had the lomo saltado. His dish seemed a bit small portion wise but I loved the flavor of the carne asada. We had a yummy pupusa with cheese and pork as an appetizer.

    (4)

  • Mr J.

    Delicious Lomo Soltado, great service, clean, and reasonably priced. Horrible location, but ignore the facade and dive in.

    (5)

  • Gohanchan S.

    I have always enjoyed their rotisserie chicken ....always very tasty, along with rice and beans...decided to get their ceviche yesterday...horrible...big chunks of fish that was impossible to chew..no flavor.!! stay away from this dish!! My co worker also agreed...I rarely throw food out, this time, though, I had to..it was inedible...

    (2)

  • Ruth R.

    First off this place is packed with flavor and very cheap! My boyfriend and I like to go here from time to time because it not only is right around the corner from us but we know the menu and enjoy just about everything on it. We have had the "lomo salt ado" at another place that makes it more authentically but it isn't bad here at la brasa. The chips are always cooked to perfection and their freshly made salsa pairs up so well. The dishes are enough for one and one full serving is plenty! We usually get their tacos, burritos or enchiladas. The fish and steak are good but we've had better. Non the less this place is a very good eat and the price is on point! Every dish is full of flavor. It is such a comforting place to eat. If you're in the area and happen to want a cheap eat, please go here! You will not be disappointed.

    (4)

  • G M.

    I had the steak fajitas and sampled the carne asada. The food was very good. The beef was very tasty and tender. I was a little disappointed with the small dollop of guacamole I received-it wasn't enough for one fajita. When I asked for a little more, I was given enough for the other two fajitas but was charged $2.50 for it. I like to be told when items will be extra. i think their prices are a little steep by at least 15% and I wish they offered lunch specials or a happy hour. Their chips and salsa are very tasty.. All in all, this was a nice little gem and I will likely be back.

    (4)

  • Eric J.

    Could be crispier, but still filling

    (4)

  • Vicky S.

    I do really like eating here and the food does taste wonderful. I like how the Yucca is cut in smaller chunks than most places so they are not all dried out and the Horchata is in house made and taste WONDERFUL I could drink a gallon of it. It's a relatively small place so great for a quick lunch or taking out.

    (5)

  • Victoria S.

    My Family and I absolutely love coming here to La Brasa, I have to say we come at least once every two weeks, maybe more. Not only is the food quite deliciously satisfying, but the cheerful greeting and warm welcome is truly enjoyable. It also is not exuberantly expensive, and gives everyone a true taste of the latin culture. Above all that makes this family run restaurant excellent, is its cleanliness. I can honestly say that we have walked in many times when the employees were disinfecting and cleaning the menus, tables, windows etc... This is most definitely a place to bring your family for dinner. I contain no complaints or negatives.

    (4)

  • Theresa J.

    Awesome service! The food was just as great! My favorite is the Carne Asada! it was cooked just the way I wanted it to be & was delicious! I would highly recommend you to try this place ~

    (5)

  • simmi a.

    Absolutely delicious food. I ordered their tilapia, trout and rotisserie chicken and it was fantastic.

    (5)

  • Kaylee P.

    Love love love this place. I go here about 2-3 times a year. It's my go to place near work. We've always had great service and the food has always been outstanding even for my dine in friends. I've had a variety of dishes here and haven't had one I didn't like :) try the tres leches too!

    (4)

  • Jason F.

    I've driven past this place 1,000 times and have never stopped. I was going out for lunch with a few friends, and they wanted me to pick a place. I saw La Brasa on Yelp, so I decided to give it a try. Well, we all LOVED the place. The food was amazing, the service was excellent, and we walked out with big smiles on our faces! I highly recommend the Carne Asada, the chicken tamales, and the Tres Leches was to die for! I would give them 6 starts if I could! I will be back VERY VERY soon!

    (5)

  • Wine D.

    I am one happy Latin gal!!! La Brasa is the real deal. I have had high end Latin cuisine, I have had low end Latin cuisine (unfortunately) and I have had so-called nouveau Latin cuisine, but rarely have I had such authentic, "reminds me of my Mom and abuelita" comida Latino. The relllenos de yuca and pollo are delicious and were topped with a spoonful of red onion with cilantro and lime which was perfect condiment of acidity and zest. Steak fajitas were delish and well executed, tender marinated skirt. Not the fatty faux steak counterpart so often plated under same guise. Husband ordered the Masitos de puerto which he declared as, super tasty! Plantains, brought me back to my mother's kitchen and certainly brought a smile to my face!!! Look no further folks...if you want to get your Latin on with a side of yuca, head over to La Brasa, just save me a seat!

    (5)

  • Amanda S.

    We went here for dinner on a Tuesday night. I picked this place because of the good reviews on Yelp. We sat down and were the only people in the restaurant around 6:00pm. It took them a long time to take our order and get our food to us. We were happy that we had ordered appetizers, otherwise we would have been starving waiting for our food. For appetizers we got mussels and some kind of fried yucca with stuff inside of it. The appetizers were delicious. Maybe we went wrong by ordering the roasted chicken and sides there. I've been to plenty of Peruvian chicken places where it was delicious, but here the chicken was dry. I had to wash it down with a gulp pf water each time. As sides, I ordered steamed veggies and fried plantains. The veggies were dry too and so were the plantains. They were kind of hard like they had been fried, then left out a long time or something. The meal was not very satisfying for the money paid. M boyfriend didn't really complain about his meal, but he didn't say it was good or rave about it or anything. He just ate it and we left. He also had the peruvian style chicken. Probably will not go back.

    (2)

  • Justin N.

    La Brasa is a family staple for us. We come 3-5 times a month. Everything has been great and we alway feel both welcome and taken care of. I have 23 years behind me as an Executive Chef for some of the best restaurants and hotels. I am not easy to please. I do not go to any other places for my Latino Fix! We were actually there tonight!

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    interesting place. parking's in back and a tad tight for an suv but manageable. you can't beat the prices at this place and the food is delicious. they offer all corn tortillas if you want those instead of flour ones. we had the house made salsa and chips, the ceviche, a few pollo pupusas (the flavor and texture was perfect), red and white sangria, the fajitas trio (the chicken and steak are yummy but oddly thin), the lomo saltada, and the tres leches for dessert. everything was fantastic but the ceviche was over salted in my opinion and the lomo saltada is served on top of fries which get quite soggy rather quickly. the tres leches dessert was out of this world. skip the sangrias, they tasted funny and not good at all. I had to send mine back (I had the white one). this is not a fancy place but it's cozy. the tablecloths are plastic and the napkins are paper. but for the prices and the tastiness of the food, this is quite a find! we will be back. ps this place is beer and wine only, so unfortunately there are no margaritas!

    (4)

  • Fran D.

    Very good food for a very good price. Love Latin food and this place has some good dishes to offer. If you are looking for a cheap and good meal, this is the place to go.

    (4)

  • Mo A.

    On the outside, this place looks like a small hole in the wall joint. When you walk inside, it is small with limited seating but there's a certain warmth in the environment and the staff is very pleasant and engaging. The food is awesome. I tried the Lomo Saltado which is well seasoned sirloin, perfectly prepared fries and rice along with a sauce. The dish is plated with everything on top of each other so you can eat it all together and take in the various flavor and texture contrasts. The sauce completes the dish and provides a little kick. I also had the rotisserie chicken and the fried yuca, both of which are quite tasty. Fantastic place!

    (5)

  • Roberto I.

    great

    (5)

  • Christian O.

    after seeing so many good reviews in had to go.. but honestly... i dont see what its all about, apart from the atmosphere and cleanliness of the restaurant.. the food was subpar. the yuca was and chicharron was unlike any other i've ever seen.. and i'm latino.. .. it was covered in a red sauce and over all was eatable but i wouldn't order again... i ordered a mara y tierra (ocean & land), a new york stake with 3 "jumbo" shrimp. i ordered the stake medium rare, being a stake guy and hearing so much rave about the stake here i was excited, i returned it after 1 bite. and asked for a different dish. the meet tasted like old beef that had been left out in its own juices for far too long before cooking. the chicken taquitos were subpar, and probably the highlight was the tongue tacos i got in place for the plate i returned. tho for it being 10 dollar tacos i expect 3 tacos at least... it was 2..

    (2)

  • David G.

    There are so many good reviews for La Brasa that I feel I have to give you some details about why I don't agree. First, it is a small place with little atmosphere and average service. The food was universally bland, and often nearly "unpleasant". Make no mistake -- I like latin food, and my wife grew up on it in Panama, but this was just not well prepared. Namely: Chicken stuffed yucca - gelatanous. What more can I add? Bad! The pickled vegetables served with it were great, to be fair. Tamales - bland. Ropa Viejo - just shreaded meat, not even onions, but it did come with a sauce consisting of something brown and a pound of salt. Fried Pork Morsels - fatty. Bland too. Tripe - tasteless. Tasteless tripe?? Yep. Hard to believe. Rotiserrie chicken - might have been really good, but it was sold out. I guess the other guests that came before me knew what to order.

    (2)

  • Mike H.

    Ordinarily a reliable stop for decent food at reasonable prices, last night's experience leads me to warn that if the place is crowded, leave. Both the food and the service suffers. We waited more than an hour for our dinner, which then turned out to be sub par.

    (2)

  • Pumpkin S.

    This is a modest little restaurant, and I have lots of positive things to say about it. Our server was excellent-- he shared his recommendation when asked, refilled the water, etc. The food was cheap and good. All the employees were friendly. I looked around the small room while eating, and noticed that it was a very diverse customer base: various ethnic backgrounds and ages, young single people and multi-generational family gatherings. It's probably a sign that the restaurant appeals to a variety of people.

    (4)

  • Katherine L.

    Yum! So good. I love that you can go in there and order so many different things. I got the lomo saltado which is my absolute favorite dish of all time. It was so delicious. AND it came w the spicy green sauce on the side. HUGE bonus! I liked that. As my appetizer I got one pork and cheese pupusa... bc I love pupusas and wanted to try one out from here.. gotta say it was kind of bland. My husband got the carne asada and chicken taquitos. He really liked the chicken taquitos. He also liked the carne asada except that was all there was to it. It was just a piece of steak w a tiny bit of rice and a tiny bit of pico de gallo. I ask what more could you want? Maybe a bigger portion if that's all that's served w it. I got the same amount of rice but then again there was more to the lomo saltado then a piece of steak. I will definitely be going back, just not for the carne asada or the pupusas.

    (4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

La Brasa Latin Cuisine

Share with your social network

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.