The Best Pupusas in the DMV

Few foods are delectable enough to have commanded an entire national holiday in their honor, but the pupusa is simply unlike other foods. The delectable stuffed cornmeal griddle cake, an absolute mainstay in El Salvador, is so beloved that the nation has dedicated the second Sunday in November to celebrating the masa-based treat. And so fierce is the love of the pupusa that both El Salvador and Honduras — who both claim to have originated the dish — once fought over rights to being an exclusive exporter (El Salvador won).

Irrespective of origin, it is widely agreed that these stuffed corn cakes are among some of the most delicious items to be found on any El Salvadorian, Honduran or Latin American menu. And luckily, given the DMV’s extensive immigrant community, there are several places throughout the area where you can find authentic, delightful pupusas. We’ve rounded up just a few places to get the best pupusas in the DMV.

La Casita Pupuseria

Multiple locations

With several locations throughout the DMV, La Casita Pupuseria is one of the most popular places to grab a pupusa in the area. The eatery first opened its doors in 2002 and now has five locations, including an outpost at La Cosecha, the Latin American market in Union Market.

1270 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

Multiple locations

With three locations distributed across the DMV, this classic purveyor of pupusas has long been one of D.C.’s most beloved. Don’t miss the chorizo pupusa, one of the more unique offerings among purveyors in the region.

71 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

Benitos Place

Logan Circle

A true hole in the wall, you won’t find a website for Benitos, but you will find delicious pupusas, plantains and other Latin American classics in this simple yet satisfying restaurant.

1437 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

El Rinconcito Cafe

Shaw

At El Rinconcito (or little corner), you’ll find big flavors and a better atmosphere. Pupusas and tamales are served with rice, beans and mixed vegetables and are always a big hit.

1129 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Gloria’s Restaurant

Columbia Heights

You’ll find freshly-made pupusas, plump with plenty of stuffing, alongside other Salvadorian specialties at this hole in the wall in Columbia Heights.

3411 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Susana’s Pupuseria

14th Street

Pupusas are made to order at this longstanding pupuseria on 14th street. The hyper-condensed menu isn’t readily available online (or anywhere else), but go straight into the store to order fresh Salvadorian specialties.

3801 14th St NW. Washington, DC 20011

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Pupuseria La Familiar

Wheaton

This classic eatery is truly dedicated to the national dish of El Salvador and seeks not only to serve up delicious food, but also educate diners on its origins. Get the Revueltas, stuffed with frijoles (beans), chicharrón (pork) and queso (cheese).

11324 Fern St, Wheaton, MD 20902

Los Chorros

Wheaton

At Los Chorros, you’re always guaranteed to have a great time, not only thanks to great food but to a familial atmosphere as well. Get the pupusa suprema, a large pupusa stuffed with pork, beans, cheese, onions, bell peppers, zucchini and jalapeños.

2420 Blueridge Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

Samantha’s Restaurant

Silver Spring

This classic Tex-Mex restaurant in Silver Spring is known for its Pan-Latin cuisine, including its pupusas. The seafood versions are not to be missed.

631 University Blvd E, Silver Spring, MD 20901

Don Juan Restaurant

Mt. Pleasant

At Don Juan, pupusas are stuffed but still thin, resulting in a fantastically crisp texture. Plus, the restaurant is open later in the evening, making it a perfect post-bar place for a bite.

1660 Lamont St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Judy Restaurant

Columbia Heights

This small but mighty Salvadorian and Mexican eatery is known for its thick, cheesy pupusas that are delicious any time of day. Check out their classic vegetarian offering, the loroco pupusa.

2212 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009