La Bamba - Silver Spring

Truly a gem in DC, authentic guatemalan food. A place for local central Americans to eat and rest next to the Guatemalan Consulate. Price is fair, food healthy and delicious

I came to dine here on February 2022 with my family of 3. The style of the restaurant is really run down so don’t take anyone here if you’re looking to impress. Hardly anyone was dining there for a Saturday night. No one greated us at the door, it was our first time here so we didn’t know if we seat ourselves, order at the cash register, so we just went and sat down and waited to see if someone would come serve us. Eventually someone did. She even told my husband what he should order and I don’t think he enjoyed it very much. During this whole dining experience, the waitress came by only once. My husband is Guatemalan and he was so ashamed of this place. Quetzal restaurant puts this place to a total shame, this is the worst latino restaurant I’ve ever been to. The beef was a little undercooked, the potato salad was very nasty, had a strong onion taste, they gave us about 2 tablespoons of rice and very little beans. So to pay $21.99 for one plate, the portions were not worth it, neither the food all that great and we were definitely robbed. What can I say? It’s a poor restaurant who doesn’t have a lot to offer. They charged an $18.99 gratuity fee (for what??? and then wanted a tip too. I will not be coming back here again, please don’t take your friends or family here. They’re poor in style, portions, service, food lacking in taste and terrible. They want a lot of money but they cannot put out on a table to match the money they’re asking for!

There is no customer service attention it’s not the same place how are used to be I guess as a new owner and which I don’t like is the tip is included in your bill I guess that’s why you don’t get attention to tip is optional

The food here is quite good, but the service leaves much to be desired. I was quite taken aback by the hidden 20% service charge for our table of two, and it was uncomfortable to have the waitress hovering as I signed the bill. Generally, I tip well because I believe service workers deserve a living wage; however, I don't think restaurants should impose an additional service charge.

The restaurant offers excellent overall Guatemalan cuisine and service. I definitely recommend it! Additionally, there's a parking garage behind the restaurant with a very reasonable rate of $0.70 per hour.