EL SABOR CHAPIN — Restaurant in Columbia

Let's be honest, you are reading this either becasue you are new to the area and looking for somewhere to eat, or you are at wits end trying to find some half decent Mexican food in the central DMV area (if you are interested I fall into the latter category, up until this point there is no good Mexican place I'd found in this area). Luckily this knight in shining food truck armor came to save the day!

Don't get me wrong, the vibe this place puts off is EXTREMELY SKETCHY. When rents are as high as they are, paired with issues from the pandemic, you'd also want your business to operate with the lowest overhead imaginable! But what you lose in ambiance you gain ten fold in flavor and portions (and once again, be honest you're just getting take out anyways...)

I had some friends over so we ordered the gamut of things: various types of tacos, the fajitas (just deconstructed tacos), burritos, and even a quesadilla. Even though I was feeding five people it still ended up costing less than $10/person, AND everyone that ordered tacos got 4 hefty tacos (plus the extra "spillage" tortillas for some bonus tacos at the end). The food itself was cooked excellently, the pork was tender and flavorful, the chorizo actually tasted like chorizo (harder than you think), and the chicken was grilled excellently (and didn't taste like leather).

Do yourself a favor, when you come out this way, try the food to support the business. I know after going once I will frequent this institution from now on when I need my Mexican fix. The more we support this business, the sooner the owner realizes just how amazing the food is, and maybe even expand to get a little closer to everyone who wants some...

The food was okay. I recently moved in the area and saw the 5 star reviews. There was a long line and wait when I went. I had ordered the chicken tacos. My wait was about 25 minutes. However, I notice the chef was giving orders to people that order after me. He noticed this quickly and apologized. He quickly gave me my tacos and apologized again. I still paid the full price for my food and was very understanding. However, when I went home to eat my tacos. My tacos barely had chicken in them and they had lettuce tossed everywhere and onions. It was obvious a rushed meal that the chef put together at the last minute after realizing he had taken other people before me.

I will not be coming back here. I feel at the very least the meal should have been free or half off since he had to rush to put this meal together because of his mistake. I didn't think the tacos were that good or well seasoned (but then again my meal seemed rushed when put together). Giving 2 stars because the cook...

Best "honest" food around.

I can tell you the service is great. You are always going to be greeted by a pleasant demeanor and a friendly disposition.

I can enthusiastically say the food is great. There isn't a single item on the menu that I haven't ordered and wouldn't order again (and I have had it all).

But if you want to understand what I mean by "honest" you have to order a burger. This isn't a burger joint. That's neither the focus nor the specialty of the establishment. The burger won't come with fries or be topped with a "secret" sauce or sit between two artisan pieces of bread. However, it will be well cooked, well seasoned, well portioned, taste fantastic, and come at a reasonable price. Which is just so emblematic of this place.

No frills. No gimmicks. You show up, tell the man what you would like, he makes it, you pay him for his time and trouble, and then go home with some excellent food.

10/10 experience -- literally could not...