Colada Shop — Restaurant in Washington

My first ever trip to Colada Shop was this outpost at the Wharf. I'm not sure if I'll return to this one because it's a bit out of my way, but the experience was positive enough that I'd be open to trying one of the locations closer to me. I attended a work happy hour here, and while I was looking forward to trying one of the zero proof drinks on the menu, because we were a large party, we were placed in the large, unheated extension behind the main store. No cold drink for me while I'm shivering with my coat on while it's in the 40s outside, so I ordered a cortadito instead. I was able to get a small serving in a mug (you have to ask), and ordered it medium sweet - I've never had this beverage before, but it was perfect, unctuously creamy and just the right level of sweetness. Everyone else in my party had cocktails and empanadas though - the empanadas appeared to be very popular, while the cocktails were of varying quality - thumbs up on the Maduro Old-fashioned, but apparently the mojito was weak.

The service was really the most notable element of all here. Humoring me on putting a small order, which would usually go into a disposable coffee cup, in a ceramic mug was a big plus for me. I also appreciate the staff's remarkable patience and agreeableness - I covered a friend for her food and drink order, and afterward remarked to the server about being billed at the regular price instead of the happy hour price for the drink. She patiently looked up the order and very kindly explained that the Maduro Old-fashioned, is not, in fact, one of their happy hour cocktail options. I apologized profusely for my confusion and thanked her for taking the time to explain things. Honestly, such courteous service is really a standout in DC - I might have to come back to this Colada Shop just for that reason, after all. But next time, I'll be in the main section of the store, where...

To start, I’ve got to say that I am a sucker for small places.

I came in to the restaurant since I tried to call through the phone 4 times and no answer.

Once arrived, a younger lady greeted me but once I told her that I tried calling to place my order so I wouldn’t have to wait upon arrival she said “oh maybe thats because we aren’t taking to go orders through the phone, that’s why you come in person”.

Now to me, that was a bit rude, especially if I have been on my feet all day and all I ever wanted was to try their food. So I ignored the lack of customer service and continued to place my order think the food was going to pay it off….. that was a terrible idea.

I ordered some stuffed rolls, a bowl, churros and a colada.

To start, my churros were raw on the inside and burned on the outside. “How in the world do you ruin the process of a churro?”

Mind you, while my food was being made they were grabbing my food with their bare hands until I brought it up to the cashier to let them know is when they were told to put on gloves and to remake my order.. I hope management checks this out, I wouldn’t enjoy someone grabbing the food I would eat with their hands..

My bowl? The beans tasted off, like they’ve gone bad. The food was plated terribly.

The only good thing, was the colada smoothie…

Aside from that, colada I expect a response due to the lack of disrespect that your employees give to your customers. Not to satisfy me, but for management to attempt to fix it. Perhaps maybe then, your business would flourish because it has potential.

My expectations for spending $50 dollars is to atleast have plates that are worth coming back for..

Pictures...

Being from South Florida, I’m all about trying Cuban food at different places. I stoped at the Wharf location. There were two servers behind the counter. One was by the register and the other making mixed drinks. I was told to just scan the code on the counter to order dine-in. Ok, so not very personable.

Ordered the guava BBQ lechón sandwich $13.95 ; LG guava/mango drink $5.25; guava pastelito $3.75 ; tostones $6.25 & churros $7.50.

I was served the guava pastelito 1st. I thought, “ok, I guess I can eat this 1st and not as part of my dessert”. It was delicious.

Next, I got my drink. Super delicious. So far, so good. A few minutes pass and I got everything else all at once. Fast service.

The sandwich was very good. Pulled pork with some pickled onions and the bbq guava sauce on top. It could had used a bit more sauce but it’s ok.

Got 5 tostones (that’s equivalent to one whole plantain) with a side of very cold mojo. I’d suggest leaving the mojo at room temperature, it taste better that way and it’s the way it’s served everywhere in south Florida.

I figured I would had gotten the churros last so I could have them fresh as my dessert but by the time I got to them, they were cold. So they weren’t very good.

Overall, the food was ok and very overpriced. They make you tip automatically when you order too. I wouldn’t have given as much as I did if I would of gotten a true dine-in experience that they...