Delicious, cozy, attentive staff, very reasonably priced for the quality of the food. Absolutely a must "stop by" for those of us who don't reside in DC... locals, take advantage of this great place!
A place I used to visit frequently years ago, I went back last night 3/2/18, and still the same outstanding food. Great food and great service. I have to go back again
The restaurant was packed but the service was great! Really friendly and attentive, even the host! I had the lomo saltado, which was delicious, and a few pisco cocktails that I couldn't get enough of. 10/10 will come back : )
Great food, great atmosphere. Service was good considering they were packed. Prices were also good.
Excellent flavors, generous portions in a quaint atmosphere!!! Verdadero sabor peruano! True peruvian flavor!!
Delicious food👍5 ***** will definitely come back when were in DC😊👍😍
Lovely place! Great food! I had lomo Saltado and it was amazing! 😍
Best Peruvian Restautant ever!! I flew out here just to eat here! Pisco Sour is the best also.... �% recommended
El Chalan was a great experience overall.
Staff was a little slow to serve and help us, we weren’t at a peek hour but the restaurant was kinda of full.
The food quality was great and the portion generous.
I’m giving 4 because the paella seafood was kind of over cooked, however it was still high quality in comparison to others. We’ll come again to retry this.
The meat was sublime. The fish was good, again shrimps over cooked and maybe lacking a little flavors?
Their cocktails are generous and their Pisco sour is really good.
Will come back!
A small but inviting place, don't let the first steps in the restaurant fool you, the food is delicious. Our meals were quite enjoyable, not as spicy or bold as they should have been but still quite good. The service was excellent as well. But one of the top things was the drink menu. A number of very nice cocktails worth experimenting with.
When I entered I was immediately surprised. From the outside there are not a lot of clues as to what to expect. The place is small but it does not feel cramped. I really liked the choice of furniture because it looks like very well kept antique pieces and a little rustic. I ordered the Lomo Saltado and I was not disappointed. The Meat was cooked perfectly and the dish had the smokiness that can only be achieved by preparing it in the traditional way and which is something that some places that serve this dish neglect to do. I had the flan for dessert and it was ok, nothing to write home about but a good sweet accent to the end of my meal. My only complain was that eventhough I got a tabme as soon as I came in my waiter did not come to my table until I stopped one of the busboys which was 10 to 15 minutes after I was seated. Overall I was very happy with this place and I will be returning to try their other dishes in the future. Buen Provecho!
Authentic Peruvian cuisine with good wine. the prices are not that high considering this place is located in the heart of DC. they also serve good bread before the meal along with unique spicy sauce. very crowded during lunch time. reservation is recommended if you are on schedule. Must try: Goat stew and ceviche.
As a first timer at El Chalan, and having heard positive first hand reviews, this place is fantastic. In fact, it's only my second Peruvian dining experience. For drinks to start, a Pisco sour and Maracuya sour. I felt a strong strong buzz from one Pisco Sour. Wow. The appetizers included one marinated beef heart. So tender! The three of us at the table couldn't keep away from the plate. Also a ceviche pescado was fresh and flavorful (very light). For entrees, two lomo saltado especial (meat is fillet) and also a Arroz con Marisco. Complimentary bread with a spicy orange color sauce (be careful with this). Highly recommend.
Great selection of auththetic Peruvian Cuisine, all at a reasonable price. Cold Peruvian Beer on offer too, along with a good wine list, which all hit the spot.. Helpful and friendly staff. All in all all, a pleasant evening experience..
So glad to have found El Chalan while here in DC on vacation. My family and I lived in Piura, Peru for almost 9 years which is in the heart of Peruvian creole food. We LOVE Peruvian food and this is as authentic as you can get. I even told my wife that the sala made me feel like we were transported back to Peru. We ate here twice. The ceviche, papa a la huancaina , cabrito norteño, arroz con mariscos, chupe de camarones, anticuchos and lomo saltado we’re excellence!!! I would absolutely recommend El Chalan!!!
Surprisingly nice place below street level. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but cozy and well decorated inside. Helpful staff that was accommodating to split our check. We enjoyed a good ceviche mixto. I had the cabrito nortena. The flavors were spot on but the meat was dry. Next time I'll explore other dishes.
I’ve been here 6 times over several years. I always love the food, service is typically slow, which is my only complaint.
This time I tried the Pollo Al Vino. Delicious flavor, great serving size, nice price, I only wish it came with more carrots and raisins.
Fantastic food, we took our kids (10,12,14) I had the lomo saltado,as did my wife, my daughter had a soup which was really good. We almost missed it though, as there's a Chinese restaurant called Chalin's, El Chalan is smaller and downstairs, but don't miss it.
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