Spork and Knife

I make it a point to focus on the positives when writing about a restaurant because I appreciate and can only imagine the large amount of work and effort that goes into running such a business. 

So rather than try to fathom why hoards and hoards of people continue to participate in the cattle call that is Lauriol Plaza, waiting 2 hours for a table in the elbow to elbow bar area only to be served average Mexican food, I’m going to focus on the positives and the things that Lauriol brings to this city. 

Allow me to point you to the one page on their menu that warrants visiting…here.

After 2 years of avoiding LP, Saturday night I found myself walking up 18th street to attend a birthday dinner for a friend.  From 2 blocks away I could see the swarms of YPs sipping on coronas, spilling out onto the sidewalk as they patiently drank away the minutes waiting for their table in the 3 (or was it 4) story space.  

D & I looked at eachother, fought off the urge to run across the street to our favorite thai spot and navigated our way through the front door.  We found the birthday boy and our party of 15 16 17  ehh who’s counting, and snuggled up by the corner window to commence our corona drinking and waiting. 

Had I not sampled the subject of this post in my first 10 minutes of waiting, you might not be reading anything about Lauriol, but let me tell you…the frozen strawberry swirl margaritas were scrumptious.  You can order them by the glass ($5.75) or like us, by the pitcher ($25) and they come to you looking like the drink version of a creme saver.  The alcohol is barely noticed in what could pass as the adult version on an icee, only smoother.  I sucked down two before I realized that what I was drinking did contain tequila and made a note to slow down. 

Long story short.  I’d go back to Lauriol and brave the crowds for another strawberry swirl.  Yes, it’s insane and the wait is long, but if you’re looking for a place that can fit a large group of people and serves a drink pleasing to many, then Lauriol is the place. 

If it’s Mexican food that you crave there are a thousand other places in this city that will deliver much better food.  If you’re looking for a large establishment, try Rosa Mexicana, Oyamel or if you’re leaning Spanish-Jaleo.  For something very similar to Lauriol but delivers a better plate of fajitas, Guapos is a good bet.   

Lauriol Plaza

835 18th St NW # S
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-0035