Los Chamacos

Photo collage: Los Chamacos

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, look no further. Los Chamacos (Mexican slang for the kids) is as Mexican as you can find from the décor to the menu. The waitstaff and kitchen staff are also predominantly from Mexico. Mexican food is such a popular cuisine, but you’ll especially enjoy the very traditional chile relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef or cheese and covered in a tomato sauce. Or try the more popular chile nogada, covered in pomegranate seeds, stuffed with shrimp and vegetables and covered with a creamy sauce. Owner and Chef Benedicto Yanez proudly boasts the fact that everything is made fresh every day and you’ll notice that in every order. Also try the birria, one of their specialties. It’s beef tenderloin cooked for hours, pulled apart and spices are added. Try it as a traditional plate with rice and beans, as a pizza, or as a tamal. “It’s one of the few places you can find authentic birria,” says Benedicto.

Benedicto Yanez

Having lived in Arlington for 20 years, it was an easy decision for Benedicto to set up his restaurant just a few doors away from the bustling Columbia Pike. Being in a walking community with ART, Metrobus and Capital Bikeshare nearby, makes it easy for employees and customers to come to Los Chamacos car free. Speaking of which, 10 of the 12 employees get to work car free, mostly by bus. Originally concerned about not being along Columbia Pike, Benedicto was afraid people wouldn’t find his restaurant. Fortunately, the restaurant now has a good customer base from locals in the neighborhood, tourists and military personnel. With limited and paid parking outside, it’s much easier to to get there car free. Capital Bikeshare has two nearby stations. ART 77 and Metrobus 10B pass directly by Los Chamacos. And along Columbia Pike, ART 45 and Metrobus 16E/G/H will get you close enough to smell those authentic Mexican flavors.

Los Chamacos
922 S. Walter Reed Dr.
Arlington, VA 22204
Go car free to Los Chamacos