It’s #NationalMargaritaDay and we headed into Arlington to check out Guajillo’s (pronounced wa-he-yo) brunch menu and advertised margaritas. Before you tap out on the restaurant due to its across the bridge location, note that it was a less than $6 Uber from NoMa, had no wait, and – as seen below- provided a mix of comfortable brunch foods at a more than fair price.
Vibe
Nestled in a strip of other small restaurants (including a previously unknown to us location of Ben’s Chili Bowl), Guajillo is easy to get to regardless of mode of transportation. The strands of lights and welcoming entrance make you long for warmer weather to enjoy a drink outside. Once inside, we selected an open table by the window and strapped in for a mix of what the place had to offer. The space is comfortable and welcoming and offered ample seating throughout the brunch hour. Service is speedy and kind.
Huevos Motuleños, Ceviche
Margaritas: The Real Star
We decided to try both the Skinny Margarita (no sugar) and the Agave Margarita (with agave syrup). The Skinny was perfectly tart and balanced – you could taste the tequila but you weren’t going to fall off your brunch bench after a couple. The Agave, while sweeter, wasn’t cloying or fake tasting like so many of the popular versions in DC. 10/10 would order again. Best part? They’re $7 ALL WEEKEND for National Margarita Day.
One Word : Plantains
While the ceviche was universally referenced as the item to order at Guajillo, the real crave-able dish was the Huevos Motuleños, a Mexican take on the trendy sweet potato/black bean hash that internet chefs like Minimalist Baker and others champion. Layers of caramelized plantains served as the carby base for black beans, eggs, and ranchera salsa. Another showstopper was the off the menu Pork Shoulder + Salsa Verde burrito that was roughly the size of a forearm. The ceviche, as advertised, was delicious although probably more of a happy hour favorite than for brunch. Garlic forward shrimp and Chorizo Queso Fundido (with truly delightful warmed tortillas instead of chips) also made an appearance.
Last Bites
The dessert menu is constantly changing but if available, treat yourself to
some of the best flan we’ve had in the area or a Mezcal + coffee (I’d hold off on the Kahlua addition, made it extremely sweet).
