This 16th Street restaurant kicks carnitas from El Salvador and stuffed shrimp from … Cameron’s?
Who knows where El Aguila (8649 16th St) scores its seafood. Judging from the time it took for the crabmeat-stuffed shrimp to hit the table (45 minutes on one visit), the neighboring fish shack is a good bet.
The camarones rellenos ($15) dishes four flavorless shrimp, grilled until tough and stuffed with a mushy mound of shredded crabmeat. The stuffing itself has a strong celery accent (read: Old Bay) and is reminiscent of the food at Cameron’s Seafood.
The plate comes with a near-raw branch of broccoli and carrot sticks, as well as bland white rice. The only thing that breathes life into this meal is a dense, cumin-flavored cream sauce served on the side. Pour it on liberally to taste anything.
On the rebound, El Aguila’s tacos de carnitas ($12) is a pleasant surprise. The menu describes the meal as grilled beef on soft corn tortillas, topped with pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro).
What arrives at the table is a plate of beef chunks stewed in sweet tomato sauce with green bell peppers, slathered on corn tortillas and topped with a sliver of creamy, fresh avocado. It’s actually pretty good, despite the departure from the menu.
The tacos are served with slightly smokey pinto beans and tomato-accented rice. It’s good eats.
El Aguila’s service is inconsistent. While the camarones rellenos took 45 minutes to arrive, an adjacent table received its appetizers, entrees and check in less time. Blame the long line at Cameron’s Seafood? Who knows.
Save time — order anything but the fish.
El Aguila, 8649 16th St, Silver Spring, (301) 588-9063.
August 21, 2008
1 Comment at "Dining: El Aguila"
I must disagree with this less than glowing review. My husband and I have been going to El Aguila for at least 5-6 years and it is our favorite restaurant. We first visited El Aguila when we lived across the street in Summit Hills. Since then, we have moved out of Silver Spring and into a primarily Latino neighborhood in PG county, and yet we still drive back to El Aguila regularly for the best Salvadorian food around. While we may have had a couple of disappointing dishes over the years, overall our experience has been fantastic – including the seafood dishes. We’ve tried a number of other Salvadorian restaurants, including those reviewed by Washingtonian, and have yet to find one that is as good as El Aguila. Plus, you won’t find a better margarita in town!
If you haven’t tried El Aguila and are hesitant to try something new, stop by on a Wednesday night for their fajita special. Their fajitas are fabulous! Plus, with half price margaritas and mojitos, you can’t go wrong. We’ll see you there!
Holler back.