Restaurant Finder

Haydee's Restaurant

Cuisines: Mexican Salvadoran American Neighborhood: Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights

Based on 12 reviews.

Address	3102 Mt. Pleasant St., Washington, DC 20010
Phone	(202) 483-9199
Fax	(202) 483-8357

Rater Comments

These comments express the opinions of individual Restaurant Raters, not those of Washington City Paper.

Review by ChocolateBug on May 4, 2009

Haydee's is one of DC's best kept secrets. The servers are always soo nice, and they are quick too! They have wonderful pitchers of Fiesta Margaritas (topped off with extra liquor). On this visit, we shared nachos for an appetizer and then a plate of grilled chicken, shrimp and beef on a bed of lettuce and cucumber. It was sooooo good! We both left feeling full and happy.

Review by happy2Bhere on April 11, 2009

I actually read reviews of this place elsewhere on the Web before checking it out myself. Beyond that, I had heard good things from friends. Nothing prepared me for the BEST dining experience I've had in DC!

Sorry, but anyone who gave this place a bad review is a sour-puss, stick-in-the-mud. If you didn't like it, you don't like fun. We went on a Friday night, so that may have helped, but apparently the live mariachi music was not unique to Fridays. Not only were we entertained by really talented musicians/singers but we indulged in a fantastically mixed pitcher of margaritas and ample portions of excellent mexican/latin american/tex mex eats.

All 3 of us lived in Los Angeles for 4 years and put a premium on good Mexican fare. We've lived in DC now for 1.5 years and have yet to find a tolerable Mexican joint (please don't try to make a case for the feed-bin that is Lauriol Plaza, what a joke that place is). I have heard decent word about Alero, but haven't tried it yet.

Anyway, we couldn't stop smiling because it was like being back in LA (none of our hometown, but a place near and dear). I just moved to Mt. Pleasant and Haydees confirmed that that was a great decision.

-I had enchiladas
-another had tacos
-the third had the fajita burrito
-and a frozen pitcher of margs (makes about 5 or 6 margs and is strong and buzz-enducing)

If you are looking for a place to have a casual conversation, this probably isn't your spot. It gets loud so you'll be yelling. Ay Ay Aaaay!

Review by dcfoodie77 on August 20, 2007

Haydee's is a great place to eat, especially for late night snacks. They almost always have a table ready and the food comes really quickly. The servers are always really friendly and always keep up on your drinks. The portions are big. It's not gourmet food nor is it the most healthy food (they put lots of cheese on a lot of the dishes), but it tastes great (even better with a Tecate or Corona). The shrimp is usually really good here too --I had the garlic shrimp dish which was awesome. I used to get the shrimp cocktail dish, but didn’t see it on the menu this last visit. This restaurant is what Mt. Pleasant is really about. Also, if you get a chance, say hi to Miss Haydees -- she is most welcoming and pleasant. I always have a good time here and usually meet interesting characters as well (a great place to practice your Spanish too).

Review by hagrid on April 13, 2007

The presentation of the fajitas was exciting, but not it's flavor.

Review by Ebbie2000 on April 8, 2007

I love Haydee's. It may not be the most gourmet or healthful option around, but the food is hot, plentiful and tasty -- especially the steak fajitas.
The space feels right as well -- it's a bit louder than I like, and there's almost always a soccer match on the t.v., but it's relaxed and extremely neighborhood-y.
My only beef with Haydee's is that they serve water in little teeny glasses and neglect the water refills. If you ask nicely, however, your waitress will be glad to leave a pitcher of water with you on the table.

Review by PhilNWDC on April 6, 2005

This restaurant is well worth a visit. Usual Salvadoran/Mexican menu, a few nice surprises, and everything is authentic, very well-prepared. The atmosphere is festive, comfortable, and the service was great. I loved the fact that Spanish is the dominant language among patrons. With a great place like Haydees nearby, I can't explain why anyone would stand in line for an hour only to be packed into tables like sardines for the overpriced mediocre fare at Lauriol or Cactus? I'll be back at Haydees again soon.

Review by GoodEatsPioneer on November 15, 2004

Bad chips, bad salsa, margaritas that taste like they were made with CostCo margarita syrup, and a flan for desert that was shockingly awful. The rest of the food was totally unremarkable. They were sold out of what I suspect to be the 2 best things on the menu - a couple bottles of El Savadorean beer.

Review by steampepper on July 12, 2004

Haydee's is a fun place and tasty, but vegatarians will suffer. Don't try and order anything veggie in English, you'll wreak havoc. But for middle-of-the-road Mex. fare, you'll be in heaven. Whether you like the food or not it's worth the trip to see the artwork. Speaking Spanish is a plus.

Review by penelope haho on July 7, 2004

Haydee's is always festive. It is colorful, and upbeat Latin American rock is always playing. The waitstaff are friendly and attentive. It is a great deal. They always bring free chips and salsa. A few beers and an entree with tax and tip for $12!

Review by devilscrack on July 7, 2004

Excellent restaurant! It serves authentic Salvadoran food at very reasonable prices. Everything is authentic in its preparation and presentation. I've been to Central America and this is bona fide. It's too bad people don't get here too often given its location, then again, maybe that's a good thing.

Review by babbler on June 16, 2004

This is one of the best neighborhood Salvadorian resturants in Washington. If you are from the Dupont, Adams Morgan, or Mt. Pleasant area, you must have tried Haydees. If you have just moved here... you'll know it soon enough. A very reasonable latin sit down staple. The decor screams Feliz Navidad every day..Can't go wrong with one of the combo plates

Review by matthew on May 14, 2004

Although I live nearby to the Haydees in Mt Pleasant, I would go far out of my way to grab a beer and have the best steak fajitas around. One plate is defnitely enough for two normal size appetites, and with fresh chips, salsa, and cheap beer, it's hard to go wrong.

If you're looking for a quiet intimate place, this shouldn't be your first choice. The Bachata and ranchero music can get a little loud at times, but it's all worth it.

Buen Provecho!