El Rinconcito II - Authentic Latin American Cuisine in Washington, DC

This gem of a restaurant was a delightful discovery, recommended by a friend who knows their Salvadoran cuisine. I tried their pupusas - Frijol, Queso y Loroco, and Ayote y Queso - and each was a flavor explosion! Highly recommend. I also tried the horchata here, and it provided a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment. While my order (2 pupusas and a NA beverage) was quite filling, those looking for a heartier meal should consider their combination platters: the side of rice and beans it comes with is very comforting, and definitely filling. I'd definitely visit this little nook of a restaurant again!

The food was just amazing. Lots of options and the flavors were great. I definitely want to return to try more of their stuff. Staff was super friendly as well. Decent prices.

Had some AMAZING Sopa de res and Frijol de queso pupusa on a cold rainy day for lunch. The soup was heartwarming and filling and the pupusa was one of the best I've ever tried. This is THE place for authentic and delicious Salvadoran food.

Amazing dinner tonight. The smoky margaritas and papusas were on point. We love this neighborhood gem!

I am now thoroughly in LOVE with papusas!!!!!D My first Salvadorian restaurant that I recall, but I don't think that anyone at all aquatinted with Mexican or other latinx food could have much of any trouble at all: most of said regulars and staples are here (from very familiar to more "exotic") as well as Salvadorian specialties, etc. Perfectly affordable beer, as well as what looked like a variety of cocktails, wines, etc, and other beverages, including quite good, sweet horchata and I think some sort of tamarind drink and several other non-alcoholic options. There might have been at least 1 full, operational bar inside, I don't recall for sure. I remember seeing: a pretty wide array of taco options, quesadillas, papusas, tamales, various appetizers (generally under or around $10 I think) an ample variety of entrees (more around $20) and a bunch of other stuff I didn't look through too thoroughly myself, as I figured out what I wanted pretty quick. Papusas are absolutely heaven to die for, ecstatic, INSTANT new favorite, can't believe it's actually taken me this long until I've at least had a memorable one!!!!! I just got the bean, cheese, and whatever those flower-bud type thingies are (also a first for me, but had been wanting to try: REALLY interesting, perfectly accessible I think; just a really interesting, soft texture that fit in perfectly, and a somewhat delicate, quite unique, slightly pickled-like flavor? I guess maybe fairly vaguely relatable to artichoke or hearts of palm.....??o Perfectly complimentary proportions and incorporation too!!!) Gooey magic, cooked absolutely perfectly just right between crisp, soft, & just the perfect amount "greasy" / "juicey", served with an ample amount of some kind of perfectly complimentary, crisp and/or pickled, spiced and intricately saucey shredded cabbage-like & I think oniony vegetable accompaniment, an absolutely devine combination, and absolutely the perfect amount of deeply, complexly flavorful heat this spiciness-lightweight could absolutely handle without significant trouble, but wild appreciation!! Fried yucca was also AMAZING (and steamed too!) As a fairly serious and established french fried potato afficianado, this was something of course uniquely different, but WAAAY up my alley for SURE, crispy on soft, just perfect, I believe somewhat quartered, and also came with that slightly spicey, again ideally suited crispy shredded vegetable texture accompaniment: sour, spice and texture on top of luxuriant, velvety warm and comforting, mild softness, both expertly optimized and I assume honed by generations of clearly legit peeps, singular, pinnacle sensation experiences not to be missed for absolute sure.....!!!o I also had a bite of my friend's fried bananas: pretty much as perfect as I can recall in any recent memory; what a meal to finish what a lovely day!!!!! Horchata was sweet and delicious, of course!) They had several popular Mexican beers, as well as various nice other brands, all good & cold that I noticed. Our server was SUPER sweet and friendly, it was all a lovely treat and I will ABSOLUTELY be back again and again I'm sure, despite living in Baltimore.D It's across the street from the side of a supermarket in an otherwise largely mixed residential street with a very cool, chill seeming neighborhood vibe, mere blocks from lively seeming, more commercial streets with various shops and venues on offer, and just a couple more from a Metro station, Green I believe. Super legit cool seeming people, not too crowded when we were there, not sure how quickly it could fill up, or if they ever use the upper floors for anything currently. There was at least 1 latinx family dining while we were there with a few other tables, as well as a pretty steady stream of multi-racial customers getting carry out, seems pretty legit to me. We ate outside (see accomodation details below?) but the indoors seemed cozey neighborhood vibes, several more tables at least, and I think maybe a bar? Everyone there seemed extremely friendly, def cool vibes!!)

The food was solid. Large portions for the price. I’m not an expert but the pupusas were yummy. Happy to support this neighborhood business. Went during a rainy weekday and it was not busy.

By far some of the best pupusas in the dmv area. They’re soft and filled with cheese/meat. 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting a quick meal or delicious food. The fried elote and flan also tastes really good.

Unique basement spot that serves good sized pupusas and great horchata! Loved their rice and beans. Flavorful. I will be returning!