El Amate — Restaurant in Maryland

I remember when El Amate opened in Beltsville, back in possibly 2005. When I saw it by my MIL in Adelphi, I was excited to eat a empanada de platano con leche and have my son try one but unfortunately the lady answering the phone couldn't help me order one. Very disappointing, I felt like I was treated like less because there is no reason why I shouldn't have been able to order this no matter what the dish is named by in the establishment. Overall there was no desire to help me place an order and I'd go as far as to say I was taken as a joke. Because the establishment doesn't deserve a 1 star, I left my review at a 3...

My first time going there, my friend took us, (wife and I) I would recommend the bartenders not to drink while making cocktails, it does not look professional. (But I have to admit it was funny seeing them getting drunk while they make your cocktails) One of them didn't understand what I was saying when I asked for a "chilled rumchada". But besides that, it is a nice place to hang out and to have a few drinks made by drunk...

I knew this spot would be good when I found out it was in a strip mall next to a Mexican grocer. Then I walked in, heard the Latin music, saw soccer playing on TV, and noticed I was the only customer of the Caucasian persuasion in the whole place (which was packed) and I knew I picked the right place. Absolutely everything we ordered was phenomenal. This restaurant gets a 10/10 and if I lived nearby, I'd eat here at least...