El Norteno

Mexican Restaurant $ 3.8 (128)


El Norteno is a charming eatery known for its authentic Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine. Diners appreciate the freshness and traditional flavors found in dishes like pupusas and tamales. While many reviews speak highly of the food quality, they also note that the service can be a bit inconsistent at times.

Overall:

4.5

(114 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

3.9


Phone number: (301) 588-7815

Address: 8917 Brookville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating

Payment options

  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" El Norteno is an utter disappointment. I ordered a simple pupusa, and it took ages to arrive. When it did, it was overcooked and tasted bland. To make things worse, the service was very poor; no one came to check on us. I left feeling unsatisfied and likely won't return. " (*Curated Review*)

" If you're looking for authentic Central American food, look no further! The pupusas are out of this world, and you can taste the history in every bite. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it's the perfect place for casual dining with friends. " (*Curated Review*)

" El Norteno has great potential, but it seems to struggle with consistency. During my last visit, my food came out cold and lacked seasoning. The service was friendly but not very attentive. I would give it another shot, though, because their pastas had been superb. Fingers crossed! " (*Curated Review*)

" El Norteno exemplifies what a true hidden gem should be. The food speaks for itself, with lots of authentic dishes available at very reasonable prices. On my latest visit, we tried the carne asada, and it was superb! Staff could use some training in English, but they were welcoming and friendly. " (*Curated Review*)

" Back again at El Norteno! Each time, I'm reminded of why I love this place. The 'pupusas de chicharrón' are authentic and well-prepared, taking me back to my childhood visits to El Salvador. They also offer a variety of delicious homemade sauces that elevate every dish. I always feel welcomed by the friendly staff, who work diligently to ensure a pleasant experience. Although the restaurant is small, it has a lovely atmosphere with traditional decorations. Two thumbs up! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (104)

" A little hidden gem! The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere has a cozy feel to it. The food was truly authentic, and I felt transported back to my grandmother's kitchen. The empanadas were deliciously flaky. Highly recommend! " (*Curated Review*)

" This is a great option if you're looking for a casual place with good food! I ordered nachos and they were surprisingly large for the price. However, the service was a little hit-or-miss during my visit. The waitstaff seemed overwhelmed, and my drinks took forever to arrive. Despite this, the food made up for it, overall I enjoyed my experience. " (*Curated Review*)

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