El Centro D.F. menu overview

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington, El Centro offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Richard Sandoval. This two-story modern establishment features a menu that beautifully balances traditional flavors with innovative twists, inviting food lovers and taco enthusiasts alike to indulge in a remarkable culinary journey.

Starters

Kick off your meal with a selection of vibrant starters that capture the essence of Mexican street food. The Traditional Guacamole is a creamy blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, and a kick of chili serrano, perfect for sharing. For a meaty twist, the Pork Belly Guacamole offers rich flavors combined with pickled chili and salsa verde cruda, served with crispy chips.

Corn Esquites: grilled corn mixed with queso fresco, tajín, and chipotle mayo for a smoky, tangy bite.
Queso Fundido: a luscious combination of melted Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheese paired with chili morita salsa and warm flour tortillas.
El Centro Chile con Queso: a flavorful mix of pico de gallo, pickled chili, and crispy bacon.
Tuna Ceviche: fresh tuna in a lychee citrus broth balanced with cilantro, mango, cucumber, onion, and avocado.
Cantina Nachos: a generous platter topped with requesón cheese sauce, cotija, guacamole, crema fresca, beans, pico de gallo, and jalapeño.
Quesadillas: melted Mexican cheese served with pico de gallo, chipotle mayo, cilantro, and crema fresca.
Crispy Calamari: perfectly battered calamari with jalapeño tartar, chipotle mayo, habanero salsa, and a sprinkle of tajín.
Chicken Tortilla Soup: a comforting bowl of crema fresca, cheese, avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Chipotle BBQ Salad: grilled chicken with panela cheese, black beans, jicama, roasted corn, avocado, tomato, tortilla strips, and cilantro-ranch dressing.
Mexican Caesar Salad: adobo grilled chicken, black beans, cherry tomato, avocado, roasted corn, jicama, croutons, and smoky Caesar dressing.

Mains

El Centro’s main courses showcase Mexico's rich culinary heritage with a variety of tacos, fajitas, and hearty entrées packed with fresh ingredients and bold spices. From the succulent Achiote Hanger Steak Fajitas to the tender Adobo Chicken Fajitas, each dish is served with guacamole, crema fresca, pico de gallo, and warm flour tortillas for a fully customizable feast.

Hanger Steak Tacos marinated in achiote with fresh cilantro, onion, and salsa roja.
Chicken Tinga Tacos topped with crema fresca, crisp lettuce, and pico de gallo.
Crispy Shrimp Tacos featuring chipotle slaw, pickled chili, and sweet pineapple.
Al Pastor Tacos with adobo pork, grilled pineapple, onion, cilantro, and salsa verde.
Crispy Baja Fish Tacos served with poblano tartar, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and salsa verde cruda.
Pork Shank Carnitas accompanied by a trio of salsas, refried beans, Mexican rice, and corn tortillas.
Diablo Shrimp marinated in charred citrus, bathed in chipotle tomato sauce, served with sweet plantain, Mexican rice, and charred lemon.
Carne Asada featuring hanger steak, poblano rajas, cheese enchilada, crema fresca, and charred salsa.
Salmon Adobado grilled to perfection with broccolini, salsa criolla, corn pico de gallo, and charred lemon.
Seafood Chile Relleno stuffed with crab and shrimp, roasted poblano, melted cheese, crema fresca, black bean purée, Mexican rice, and chile de árbol sauce.
Del Campo Mexican Burger—a veggie burger stacked with melted cheese, fajita pepper, chimichurri, chipotle mayo, served on a pretzel bun with fries.
Chicken Enchiladas drenched in tomatillo sauce, topped with Oaxaca cheese, crema, lettuce, and onion.
Cheese Enchiladas featuring melted cheese, crema fresca, lettuce, and tomatillo sauce.
Mix & Match Fajitas giving you the choice of two proteins to create your perfect plate.

Desserts

Conclude your meal on a sweet note with the classic Churros, served hot with a side of melted chocolate and cajeta for dipping—a decadent treat that’s just the right size to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Drinks and specials

El Centro boasts a robust selection of cocktails, beers, and wines that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the menu. Notably, the spicy margarita is a crowd favorite, balancing heat and citrus zing. The lively bar scene invites guests to enjoy drinks without shouting, setting the stage for fun nights out including popular events like Taco Tuesday and a bottomless brunch special featuring multiple delectable tapas plates.

3.9

1218 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

(202) 333-4100

Closed - Opens 4:00 PM

Monday

16:00–22:00

Tuesday

16:00–22:00

Wednesday

16:00–22:00

Thursday

16:00–22:00