El Quetzal Restaurant
Located at 11121 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD, El Quetzal Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that brings the bold flavors and warmth of Guatemalan cuisine right to the heart of Maryland. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this family-friendly establishment provides a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-try for those looking for something different.
A Diverse Menu Featuring Traditional Guatemalan Dishes
At El Quetzal, the menu is a celebration of classic Guatemalan flavors. From savory carne asada (grilled steak) served with rice, beans, and fresh salad to flavorful pepian de pollo (chicken stew with a rich tomato-based sauce), the offerings here reflect the heart of Guatemalan home-cooked meals. Customers rave about the pescado frito (fried fish), carne adobada (marinated beef), and the ever-popular garnachas (small corn tortillas topped with meat, cheese, and salsa). For those looking for something lighter or vegetarian, there are plenty of options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.
El Quetzal’s menu is not just about food; it’s an experience that brings a taste of Guatemala to the table with every bite. The restaurant also serves a variety of fresh tamales, chuchitos (Guatemalan tamales), and a hearty sopa de pollo (chicken soup), all of which are favorites among regulars.
Relaxed Dining Experience With a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
This casual restaurant offers a vibrant, comfortable dining setting that is perfect for families, groups, or casual outings. Whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the outdoor seating, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming environment. The moderate noise level and spacious layout make it a good choice for groups, and there's ample parking available, including bike parking for those who prefer to cycle to the restaurant.
El Quetzal also offers a range of services that cater to diverse customer needs. They provide delivery and takeout for those on the go, and reservations are accepted, ensuring you have a spot even during busy times. With free Wi-Fi and a television for entertainment, customers can unwind while enjoying their meals. Plus, the restaurant serves alcohol, making it a perfect spot for brunch or a casual dinner.
Great Service and Fresh Ingredients
Customer reviews consistently highlight the excellent service and the high quality of food at El Quetzal. One customer shared their satisfaction with the pepian, noting that the red sauce was a standout, while another appreciated the freshness of the food. A frequent guest commented on the restaurant's consistency, particularly enjoying their carne asada and the addition of a salad, rice, and beans. It's clear that El Quetzal's commitment to serving fresh, flavorful dishes is a point of pride for both the staff and their loyal patrons.
Additionally, the restaurant's dedication to using fresh ingredients is often highlighted. A review shared how the staff ensured that a fresh batch of sopa de res was being made, signaling their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you're enjoying a classic dish or trying something new, you can trust that your meal will be made with care and attention to detail.
A Place for Everyone: From Kids to Adults
El Quetzal Restaurant is not only ideal for food lovers but also for families and those seeking a laid-back dining experience. The restaurant is great for kids, offering a friendly atmosphere and dishes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With a wide range of menu options and a relaxed environment, El Quetzal is the perfect place for families to gather, friends to meet up, or anyone craving authentic Guatemalan cuisine in a welcoming setting.
Modern Comforts in a Traditional Setting
For those who appreciate a modern touch with their traditional dining experience, El Quetzal does not disappoint. The inclusion of modern amenities like Wi-Fi, television, and comfortable outdoor seating makes the restaurant a convenient and enjoyable spot for diners. Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal with friends, catch up on a game, or relax with a drink, El Quetzal offers an enjoyable and stress-free experience for all.
In conclusion, El Quetzal Restaurant in Beltsville, MD, is the place to be for those who crave authentic Guatemalan dishes made with fresh ingredients and served with warm hospitality. The diverse menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent service all contribute to its reputation as a standout in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, El Quetzal provides an exceptional dining experience that will have you coming back for more.
Reviews
El Quetzal is a pretty nice restaurant. I like ordering carne asada and most of the time it comes out good. I like how it has a salad, rice, and beans. There has only been a few instances were the meat wasn't fully cooked. El Quetzal es un restaurante agradable. Me gusta pedir carne asada y la mayoría de las veces sale buena. Me gusta que trae ensalada, arroz y frijoles. Solo ha habido unas veses que la carne no estaba completamente cocida.
When it comes to food I'm very demanding, especially if it is food that I can cook my self. I can say with confidence that this Guatemalan Restaurant is very good, nothing fancy just good flavors and tasty food that impressed me. My family really enjoyed the Carne Asada, Pepian De Pollo, Pescado Frito, Carne Adobada, Sopa de Pollo and definitely Garnachas, Chuchitos and Tamales Chapines. Everything was delicious. Definitely I'm coming back soon. Cuando se trata de comida puedo ser demandante, especialmente si es comida que yo puedo preparar. Puedo decir con seguridad que este Restaurante Guatemalteco es muy bueno, nada lujoso solo buen sabor y sabroso que me sorprendió. My familia también lo disfruto, Carne Asada, Pepian De Pollo, Pescado Frito, Carne Adobada, Sopa de Pollo y definitivamente Garnachas, Chuchitos y Tamales Chapines. Todo estaba delicioso. Definitivamente voy a regresar pronto.
Very nice staff and ample parking in the center where the restaurant is located. Got the Pepian de Pollo, comes with white rice and no veggies. Meal cost $13.50 Came with a leg and a big breast of chicken, wasn't a lot of food but definitely enough to make you feel full. Taste was just okay, not bad, but doesn't have any depth of flavor. Pepian has a velvety texture which is nice but the sauce itself lacks any substantial flavors ; had to add Red Hot hot sauce for spiciness and added salt, makes the dish a lot better. Overall not a bad experience, will try something else on my next visit.
We had the Garnachas & the Pork Rib as suggested by the guy that worked there. The Garnachas were delicious but a little burnt on the bottom I would order them again but I hope they don't burn them again. The rib was tough but had good flavoring. We ate all of our food & the price was good, I would try them again but not order the ribs. As others stated the food takes awhile to prepare, I watched the two lady cooks talk and talk the entire time they leisurely made our meal. Good to enjoy your work! As long as you can stop burning your food
Got pepian for my wife as she loves this dish, it was a 4 out of 5 and the red sauce they give you was 5 out of 5. Overall it was the great customer service, i called in to make sure the pepian was still available and it was. When i arrived to pick up and asked for sopa de res they said they were making a new batch. Which is a great sign that they make the food fresh, i picked up my food at 3:30pm.