El Quetzal Grill

We live about 3 min from here and it’s perfect every time. we’ve tried most of the things from the menu and is delicious every time. Their garnachas are the best. 1000% recommended. prices are pretty low. Love it here.

I love love love when I walk into a place and the whole staff looks at me like… «uh, gringa?» This happens to me in Manassas Park a lot due to the high volume of Latino/​a owned businesses. I love Latin food, albeit Mexican, Salvadorian, Peruvian on in the case of El Quetzal — Guatemalan.
I was actually on my way to Phở 24 when El Quetzal caught my eye, in a literal 2 second snap decision; I blew off my Phở craving and headed in. The restaurant itself is small, clean and very colorful, bright blue paint and colorful photos line the walls.
The server who assisted me didn’t speak very much English and I sadly don’t speak very much Spanish but we were both patient with each other and I managed to correctly order a Carne Asada Burrito and (to tame my inner and outer fat girl) a pork tamale, to go.
I started with the tamale, generally a favorite of mine. So — here is the issue, I guess the traditional way of making tamales in Guatemala is to include bones in the filling — this is not okay with me! I eat a lot of weird stuff — I know people who eat shrimp tales and such — but I am NOT eating a f&^$ing bone, or hundreds of little pieces of bone in this case. The tamale itself smelled and tasted like fish, I like seafood, but not in my pork tamale, three bites in and off to the trashy grave it went.
The burrito however was no joke. Traditional steak, rice, beans, etc. I don’t know how «Guatemalan» it really was but I can tell you it was rather tasty! Think the size of a Chipotle burrito with the same ingredients, but… the flavors much more authentic. The steak was actually pretty perfect.
Waiting for my food was a tad bit awkward — I don’t know how many non Spanish speaking white girls frequent this place, I got a few long and uncomfortable stares from the kitchen staff and servers but overall everyone was nice. I’ll be back; I am dying to try a few more adventuaous menu items, everything except the tamles!

Good food and friendly servers. The portions were very large and all the food tasted great. We did wish the menu offered more traditional Guatemalan dishes, but the specials were interesting and well done.
I didn’t try to speak English with the staff but everyone was very helpful. I’m guessing that Jon L.‘s problem had less to do with the staff and more to do with the fact that he was apparently trying to order chicken tacos without horse. Onion is cebolla.

My 1^st experience was of the two star variety.
There are a dozen family owned latino restaurants in Manassas. They are all a little different in that they are representative of different regions of South & Central America.
This happens to be of the Guatemelan variety. El Quetzal is the colorful national bird and the name of their currency.
I ordered the chicken tacos. Pretty simple and straight forward right? Well… not so fast my friend. The first lady that came by my table spoke excellent english. She took my drink order and I told her I wanted sweet tea. She said we don’t have that but I can mix the tea with our sweet lemonade which I thought was a great idea… you know Arnold Palmer style. When she came back with the glass it was just lemonade… very sweet lemonade.
A few minutes later another lady came by who only spoke Spanish. I told her in spanish that the other lady took my drink order… so she wanted to take my food order.
I pointed at the menu and told her I wanted the three soft chicken tacos. She looked at me with ‘that look’. And you know what I’m talking about. I then told her in spanish, tres tacos de pollo. She then said OK and I said ‘sin ceballo’ no onions she smiled and said OK.
So, I waited, there were only three other tables at 1130a for lunch on a Friday. I was watching Univisons spanish version of the Jerry Springer show… can you say drama?
After about five minutes the 1^st lady comes by with chips and salsa. At 1^st taste I thought the salsa was of the Pace variety, she told me it is was home made.
When I got the tacos they were filled with grilled onions; I picked them off.
I liked that they put the pico de gallo on the side along with the lettuce & tomatoes and delicious and fresh quacamole.
When I asked for my check the english speaking waitress asked me how was my meal. I told her that it was all good except for the onions on the tacos. She said the other girls english wasn’t very good. I didn’t bother to tell her that I said ‘sin ceballo’.
When the check came she took off the charge for the beverage.
I doubt I go back here, there are just too many other choices.