La Mexicana - Gaithersburg

I only had an exceptionally delicious meal in La Mexicana. The salsa was so fresh and tasteful and exactly the right consistency, and the chips were thin and crispy. I ordered the veggie burrito, which was a very generous size, and again super tasteful. I'm stuffed because I couldn't leave anything on my plate. They also play good music. If I ever go through the area again, I will definitely get in.

The restaurant is quite good, with ample space and plenty of parking available. The music caters to a diverse crowd, creating a lively atmosphere. Overall, it's a solid choice for dining.

The experience was disappointing. The carnitas with rice and beans looked as though they were crafted by a child, and the taste was quite off-putting—honestly, the worst carnitas I've ever had. The only positives were the inexpensive beer and the chips and salsa, which were decent. This place feels more like a dive bar serving subpar Mexican food, rather than a proper Mexican restaurant. Most patrons were gathered at the bar, and many appeared to be seasoned drinkers.

It was a last-minute decision, and I truly wish we hadn't chosen this place! The food was terrible! The wings were stale, my daughter's burger was burnt, and we ended up throwing it away. My Texas platter was the worst excuse for Mexican food I've ever had—also thrown in the trash. I usually try to find a silver lining in a bad experience, and the only positive thing I can say is that my coffee was decent. But never again! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm sure a $5 box from Taco Bell would have been better than what we were served here.

The bartender is fantastic! Nancy makes amazing drinks. You definitely need to try her food as well!