La Prensa Tacos & Tapas — Restaurant in Virginia

Out in the suburbs of Northern VA, La Presna offers more than just a feast for the senses--it's a lively rendezvous point where the casual bar atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for groups or a cozy catch-up with a friend. With service that's as warm as the Spanish sun and a cocktail menu that could easily be mistaken for an artisan's craft showcase, this tacos and tapas bar turns every visit into an occasion.

From the get-go, the culinary parade dazzles. The Berenjenas Fritas, more than mere fried eggplant chips, are drizzled with rosemary honey, blurring the line between snack and art, and proving that La Presna plays in a league of its own when it comes to appetizers. The Patatas Bravas, a rebellious concoction of crispy potatoes topped with brava sauce, garlic aioli, and manchego cheese, is a dish that rallies the taste buds with every bite.

Enter the Birria Quesadilla, which could easily be the flag bearer of the menu--a rich blend of short rib and salsa adobo, hugged by a crisped tortilla, making for an ensemble so harmonious, it sings. The Croquetas de Jamon, those crispy bites of Serrano ham and Manchego cheese, serve as delicious proof of La Presna's commitment to bringing gourmet narratives to the table.

The Enchiladas Rojas are nothing short of a culinary poem, with layers of flavors and textures that invite you to explore the depths of traditional fare, reimagined with a contemporary twist. And let's not forget the staples--Mexican Street Corn Esquites, variety of taco selections, and Pan con Tomate--each dish a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that define La Presna.

Desserts like the Churros Sundae and Flan are the perfect encore to an already spectacular meal, with the churros offering a crunchy, sweet conclusion, and the flan--a creamy, dreamy nod to the classic.

La Presna is the ideal backdrop for any gathering, where the buzz of conversation mingles with the clink of glasses, and every visit feels like a mini-holiday. It's a place where the joy of sharing a meal elevates the simple act of dining to a memorable experience. Whether you're gathering a group for a festive night out or meeting a friend to catch up over delectable bites and sips, La Presna stands ready to host with flair, flavor, and a...

During my birthday weekend, I decided to venture out to Sterling for La Prensa Tacos & Tapas. The restaurant had a warm vibe to it with the alternating black and white floral panel with a shelf and potted plant, wood panel with wine bottles, and green panel with mirror. There was upbeat music playing in the background. Thanks Chef Shae and her team for the delicious food and Rand for the exceptional service.

For drinks, they have barrel aged cocktails, classic cocktails, sangria by the pitcher, tequila flights, beers, wines, and more. I decided to start the morning with the Amanecer, which consisted of reposado, mango, orange, and pomegranate syrup shaken and served over rocks in a tajin-rimmed glass. I liked how it fruity and refreshing.

While waiting for our drinks, Rand brought us chips and roasted tomato salsa. I liked how the tortilla chips were fresh and seasoned with salt and tajin. I liked how the salsa was mild and tangy. The salsa consisted of charred onions, garlic, and jalapenos cooked with tomatoes and spices.

Before our entrees arrived, we shared an order of Patatas Bravas Con Manchego, which consisted of a tower of crispy fried pee wee potatoes topped with brava sauce (a spicy tomato sauce), melted manchego, garlic aioli, and fresh herbs. I like how the dish was smoky and cheesy.

I ordered a Carne and Merguez Taco, which were served on a corn tortillas and were quite flavorful. I liked the unique combinations of ingredients (meat, veggies, cheese, and sauce) and how the meats (steak and lamb) were tender and juicy. I enjoyed the tacos with lime.

I couldn't leave without trying something from the dessert menu. If I had a bigger appetite, I would have tried their Chocolate Cake. I ended my meal with a Guava Cheesecake, which consisted of vanilla bean cheesecake served in a clear pot topped with a guava gelee and garnished with a mini meringue cookie. I liked how the cheesecake was thick, rich,...

If you’re looking for AUTHENTIC MEXICAN TACOS this isn’t it but they do have really good tacos.

My review is just based on my experience. In no mean am I saying the place is horrible because it’s not. They just need to work on the service a little bit more.

One thing that really upset me about this place is that when the manager/bartender came to speak to pick up our place we told him the food was really good and right away said our “amazing chef is Mexican so he puts a lot of work into all our recipes” I went on their IG page and he does not look Mexican and the taste is not AUTHENTIC MEXICAN. This is Mexican food infused with Indian I believe.

Service: it was okay. They sat us down and we ordered our drink which 1. They couldn’t pronounce but they sell them. We order an APPETIZER Which we never got until after our food came out. We had to ask them for silverware, plates, napkins since they never gave us any of that. We ordered coffee for our dessert and we did not get the coffee until after we were done with the dessert.

Food: I will give the food an 8/10 only because they add to much to the tacos. Remember tacos are Mexican so when you start adding unnecessary things to it you kill the purpose of a taco. The rice was awful as it had too much garlic. The Frijoles are soooo good! Their sauces are good!

I do believe the tacos are a bit overpriced.

We will definitely go back to try something...