| Address | 3070 Mt. Pleasant St., Washington, DC 20010 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (202) 387-0909 |
Ercilias has very tasty pupusas filled with just beans (as opposed to the commonly served cheese, cheese & bean, cheese & bean & pork pupusas), meaning, good for vegetarians and vegans.
the food is cheap and good but the service sucks.
If you're not Latino, you get stiffed on garnishes and portion sizes.
I won't be back.
I discovered Ercillia's completely by accident and was immediately enchanted by the cleanliness, informality, and delicious food.
I should also note that I am not Spanish-speaking and I love to explore other cultures, particularly through their food. The great part of about Ercillia's for me was determining what to order based on my inquiries to patrons about what they were eating. It was also a nice way to connect with other patrons - I usually eat there alone - who are more than happy to share their food culture and pride.
That said, during yesterday's visit (I've been about 5 or 6 times) I noticed that, for no apparent reason, my beef taco and pork and cheese pupusa food did not get the final garnish of avocado and cheese. The man at the register also did not offer me a calendar which he gladly handed to all the other Latino patrons. It would not have made a hill of beans worth of differnce to me except for the fact that I had the same experience during my last visit. The Latino patrons get the wonderful garnishes of cheese and avocado and my order (that time it was three pupusas) were handed to me plain. I also ordered a delicious plantain empanada (with a coconut filing).
That sucks!
The problem is with the young male cashier. It appears that he directs the female staff to either garnish or forward plates "as is" - without garnish.
Either way,I will not be back and that's too bad. But fortunately, there is no shortage of good Latino food in the area.
Wonderful food that’s well priced. That’s it. Their perfect pupusas and tasty refried beans should always make your plate. Contrary to Mr. Kliman’s comment, the tortillas are stylistically Salvadorian— doughy, robust and stout. The antithesis of their anemic brethren: the Mexican tortilla. Likewise, the beef is unapologetically gristly since it is regional cuisine. Why waste a prime cut when select will do?
Ercilia’s Restaurant is to the Mt. Pleasant habla españiol community what pre-gentrified Ben’s Chili Bowl was to African Americans: a common comfort food pantry. Gastronomic stimulation is part of the equation; a piece of the ever-elusive state of home is the other. This is a place where those who lament the lack of community in the City overlook. This is Washington, DC.
Ercilia's is a Mt. Pleasant haven for El Salvadoran and Italian food. I've been here about 3 times and each time I eat the amount of about 2.5 dinners for only $7. The portions are large and the prices low, which is great if you are starving and on a budget like most people I know. They serve all the great Central American delicacies like horchata, plantains, pupusas, and rice & beans. The chicken is flavorful and the tacos are delectable. It's also a great mom & pop type place, which I always feel good about supporting with my business. The people who work there are friendly and bilingual, as is the menu. Plus, you can always practice your Spanish with them and watch Spanish telenovelas (soap operas) shows while you wait and eat.
