El Centro D.F.

3.7 ( 133 reviews )
Checking... 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$20–30
4 Aviation Cir, Arlington, VA 22202, United States
+1 703-417-8991
El Centro D.F., located conveniently at DCA, has garnered a reputation as a standout Mexican restaurant, particularly amidst the hustle and bustle of airport dining. Patrons rave about the generous portion sizes and the delightful flavors that characterize their menu. Signature dishes like the Chicken Tinga Tacos and Breakfast Burrito receive high praise for their freshness and authenticity. Customers frequently commend the attentive service, with staff like Alex highlighted for their exceptional friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the overall dining experience. Many guests, such as Sergio Palacios and Carlos Hernandez De Pena, emphasize how the ambiance is complemented by vibrant Mexican music, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that invites diners to linger. For those seeking a refreshing drink, the restaurant offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including Agua Fresca and fruit juices, along with a varied alcohol menu featuring margaritas and wines. Whether you’re grabbing a meal on the go or looking to relax before your flight, El Centro D.F. combines quality food with a welcoming environment. The positive feedback speaks volumes about the dedication to high standards, making it a must-visit spot at DCA for anyone craving delicious Mexican cuisine.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great cocktails
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Popular with tourists
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids

Reviews For El Centro D.F.

sergio palacios
May 29,2025
Pretty good Tex-mex restaurant at DCA! The portion sizes were pretty good. The chips and Queso are my favorite and the service was top-notch, making my airport dining experience a delightful one.
Vicente
May 8,2025
Mexican breakfast while you wait for you flight, (huevos rancheros, coffee and orange juice was what I got). Great customer service, "Alex" was my server and he was very attentive and kind.
Carlos Hernandez De Pena
Apr 15,2025
There’s airport food, then there’s good food. This was good food. I got the chicken burrito on a bed of chips and queso dip. It was fresh! And you could hear Mexican music playing from the kitchen so you know just how authentic this good stuff is. Request to management, get some silverware. I don’t like using plastic forks and knifes on good burritos. Thank you to the friendly staff, very hard workers. Pro tip: request lime, not just for your beer, but for your burrito.
Kevin Russell
Apr 15,2025
I had an hour to kill before flight so I sat at the bar and had a margarita and steal quesadillas. Was really good. The had a spicy mayo in it that I thought was good. Friendly service. And food came out quickly. I think you'll enjoy this place if you have time for a drink and/or food. Give it a shot! I have now been here 3 times. I've had the same bartender each time and she's been great. I have always ordered the same food and also been great every time. I think this is my go to spot to wait for my flights in terminal C at DCA
Megan M
Apr 15,2025
My family and I had a wonderful experience here. The breakfast was amazing, the service was excellent, the food came out nice and hot. Our server, Alex, was exceptionally nice and attentive so that was very much appreciated.
Martin “Marty” Reyes
Apr 8,2025
Just had chips and salsa with beer yummy but looking around at the tables the food being served looks appetizing and smells yummy. And the wait staff today are amazing, beautiful Ethiopian, Salam!!!
Jonathan Barker
Mar 11,2025
Great experience. Food came out hot and fresh and was bursting with flavor. The staff was very polite and attentive. I never had to "wonder" where my server was as she checked on me at regular intervals. The facility was surprisingly clean and taken care of which of course was a good surprise. Definitely recommend.
Dana Dirck
Feb 14,2025
As a frequent traveler I dread eating in airports due to overpriced and low quality food. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at El Centro. My server Alex was super fast and provided top level service. Despite the restaurant being packed, my chicken quesadilla came out fast, was well prepared and well presented and tasted great. the front and back of the house definitely deserve credit for making a really nice restaurant experience in a place you'd least expect it.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Peaden's Seafood & Catering
(844 review)
Peaden's Seafood & Catering
  • 1600 McArthur Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311, United States
Seafood restaurant
+1 910-488-1972
Broadway Barber Shop
(124 review)
Broadway Barber Shop
  • 427 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States
Barber shop
+1 650-732-2820
Roma's Pizza
(1073 review)
Roma's Pizza
  • 233 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Pizza restaurant
+1 713-222-1184
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Cardiff
(441 review)
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Cardiff
  • 75 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FA, United Kingdom
Cocktail bar
+44 20 7749 3957
Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Autumn Hall
(403 review)
Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Autumn Hall
  • 110 Dungannon Blvd #170, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
Brunch restaurant
+1 910-236-3033
Lucy's Lunchbox
(319 review)
Lucy's Lunchbox
  • 1343 E Wall St, Eagle River, WI 54521, United States
Breakfast restaurant
+1 715-337-2370
Jerkhut Restaurant
(300 review)
Jerkhut Restaurant
  • 440 South Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204, United States
Jamaican restaurant
+1 315-478-5303
Caravan Middle Eastern Food
(190 review)
Caravan Middle Eastern Food
  • 123 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435, United States
Mediterranean restaurant
+1 970-728-5611
Star Karahi
(278 review)
Star Karahi
  • 251 London Rd, Reading RG1 3NY, United Kingdom
Indian restaurant
+44 118 966 9492
Red House Pizza
(769 review)
Red House Pizza
  • 4615 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
Pizza restaurant
+1 619-546-7430