The big boxy-looking building on the cusp of Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, looks nothing at all like it should e a Tex-Mex restaurant, but it is. And one of my favorites, and I went to dinner there tonight with an old friend.
I've never had a bad meal at Lauriol Plaza. In fact, I've never had one that wasn't pretty wonderful. Tonight, there was ceviche, I had a seafood chimichonga, and key lime pie. And there were all the trimmings with guacamole, black beans and rice.
The menu pretty much covers all the bases. And there is bruch fare with Huevos Rancheros, Chorizo con Huevo, Crab Quesadilla and other standards, like French Toast and Eggs Florentine.
They also have an impressive Margarita menu, with strawberry, peach and mango.
There is an outdoor cafe where you're almost sure to see someone you know pass by, and roof deck has a wonderful view of the neighborhood.
It's a favorite with people who live in the neighborhood, and with people like me who drive down - they actually have a huge parking lot (a good thing in Dupont Circle. It's also a favorite because the atmosphere is fun, with a huge mural of a fiesta you can stare at while you enjoy your meal. And the staff is wonderful and they seem to really enjoy their jobs.
Lauriol Plaza is at the corner of 18th and T Streets. For more information, call them at 202-387-0035 or go to their web site at www.lauriolplaza.com.
Patricia,
Thank you for another tour of Washington. I think you could try yourself as a food critic for some local publication. You sure know a lot.
Pat: I remember all the neat places I used to enjoy when I worked in Dupont Circle. Feels like ions ago. I wonder if any of the places I used to frequent are still around?
Hi Pat... I lived not far fom there in 1985. The neighbohood was much different back then! :)
Hi Pat -- Looks like a good restaurant... I am hungry fro dinner and it early Monday morning (lol).
Closest I have been to DC was NYC and Boston. Someday I ought to visit I guess.
Jon, I think that restaurant reviews make for really good Localism opportunites. And they're fun to do.
Chris Ann, Lauriol Plaza was around for a long time at another location on 18th and, I think, S Streets. Timberlakes is still there. Restaurant Nora (my all-time favorite) is doing really well, And La Tomate has been around forever.
Steve, that was my main market area as a newbie Realtor®! I even had some signs up from time to time.
Joan, it's making me hungry, too!
Steven, if you come through town, let me know and we'll arrange something fun with your DC blog buddies!
So you say they have margaritas, huh??? :) The place sounds absolutely wonderful and I have a strange craving now for Tex Mex!
Pat..I love mexican Food ..Sounds like fun ..Thanks
HELPFULHANNAH
Pat,
What a great post! Makes me long for the good old days of living in DC, as a young college grad. That was the life! This restaurant sounds like a great place - sorry I missed that one when I lived there!
Oh YUM ! It IS a great place. Sounds like I need tom plan a visit. I love good Mexican food.
Pat
Do I have a hankering for Tex Mex right about now.
Pat, OK you did it, I am hungry now, guess I have to go see what is in the fridge. The only problem is that I am now hungry for some of the food you blogged about and I will not find any there :)