El Rinconcito Café

1129 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
$$$ Salvadoran restaurant
(1696 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to El Rinconcito Café, a delightful Salvadoran gem located at 1129 11th St NW, Washington, DC. If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Central America, this cozy eatery promises to transport you straight to the heart of Salvadoran cuisine, all while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Step inside and you'll immediately feel the charm of this small but bustling café. The welcoming smiles of the staff enhance the experience, making every guest feel right at home. This is a place where you can easily lose track of time, savoring each flavor-packed bite and enjoying the company of friends or family.

The menu at El Rinconcito is an enticing smorgasbord of flavors. From the delightful Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger at just $12.25 to the exquisite Steak Con Papas Fritas Y Ensalada De Repollo for $35.95, every dish is crafted with care and passion. No visit would be complete without trying their savory Pupusas, traditionally filled and perfectly crisped, alongside the delicious Chicken Tamale that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in their Taco Salads—a feast for the senses. The Grilled Shrimp Taco Salad ($23.25) and the vibrant Taco Mixed Salad ($30.75) are perfect for those looking for a fresh, hearty option. Each bite bursts with fresh ingredients, served in generous portions that are simply perfect for sharing—or indulging solo!

But it’s not just about the food. El Rinconcito Café creates a vibrant dining atmosphere with its homey decor and spirited ambiance. Many guests have remarked on the lovely interactions with the staff, often describing them as friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is as enjoyable as it is delicious. Reassuringly, the occasional service hiccup—pointed out by some customers—does little to detract from the overall experience, as the emphasis here is always on the outstanding food.

Whether you're a local or just passing through the nation's capital, El Rinconcito Café is a must-visit for any food lover. As stated by diners like 'Deniz Namik' and 'Charlotte Robertson', the unique flavors and friendly service create a delightfully authentic experience that beckons return visits. So, come for the food, stay for the community, and take a piece of Salvadoran culture home with you!

To get in touch, you can call them at +1 202-789-4110. Experience the magic of Salvadoran cooking at El Rinconcito Café—you won't regret it!

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
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Monday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

1696 Reviews
Deniz Namik

05 Aug 2025

Super delicious food!!! It’s a small place, but very authentic and you know you’re gonna get good food. I don’t know if it was just that day but the waitress got a couple of our orders wrong. It wasn’t the end of the world though. Every time I go to DC, I make it a point to stop by here. Love the food here!

Juan Rivera

28 Jul 2025

The food was great . Tasty hot, very good. The service was a bit lacking . Seems like it was a bit too early in the morning for them. (11:30AM) waitress was running around and kind of neglected the customers a bit. Over all 4 stars cause of food and coziness . Price might be a little on the high side.

Amanda

24 Jul 2025

I got take out.. everything was hot and fresh. I got the chicken Milanese and was excellent. I also added the cilantro onion pepper cup which helped with added spice and freshness.

Charlotte Robertson

23 Jul 2025

Everything was DELICIOUS and the folks there are so friendly. We tried their Salvadoran dishes and enjoyed each one!

Ju D

12 Jul 2025

Small but ..amazing food. Fast service..my burrito was amazing!!! Waitress are attentive and always smiling ..will be back..well worth the walk from convention center .

Meline J

04 Jun 2025

Hubby wanted to try Salvadorian food and found this restaurant with good reviews. The restaurant was tiny with only few tables inside and few seats at the small bar. Lucky for us, we were immediately. Since we never had Salvadorian food, we asked the server for recommendations. - pork & chicken pupusa & chicken tamale: both pupusas were good. Slight crispy on the crust yet soft. The pork and chicken fillings were well seasoned. The chicken tamale had soft & savory dough and the chicken was good. The refried bean was simply delicious! The rice was succulent and good. - milanese chicken: chicken was tender and the coating was crispy. The black bean was good and well seasoned. The fried plantains were delicious! - horchata: it was very sweet but it had good strong cinnamon flavor.

Emmaline Chidester

01 Jun 2025

I came here for a quick lunch before my flight out of DC. It isn’t very big inside but the people are very friendly. The food was also amazing! Probably some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in a while.

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