Anita's - Vienna, VA

Posted By Michael Stephens on October 26, 2010 5:02 PM

Anita's is now a chain restaurant, still with great New mexico style Mex food, but now mass produced by dozens of different cooks at their many locations. I don't think it fits the Roadfood profile anymore.

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Posted By Glenn Schlarman on March 22, 2010 2:34 PM

We've been eating at Anita's for over 30 years. Despite what another reviewer says, it is authentic New Mexico-style Mexican food; Anita and her husband moved here from Albuquerque years ago and there are a couple of Anita's out there too (and I've eaten out there too).

While we still eat at Anita's once a month, it is no longer the value it once was. The quality is inconsistent, and it just doesn't stand up well to Guapos (amazing) and Uncle Julios (very good).

My wife and I, along with two college-age sons, still love Anita's pork tamales, red chile cheese enchiladas, big red and green combo, and others. The portions are always more than ample and, although very watery, the salsa has the best flavor around.

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Posted By Garry Ray on December 11, 2008 1:15 PM

Back around 2001 I worked near the Chantilly Anita's and loved the food. It was tasty and I usually couldn't finish my lunch; big portions. The place was relatively small and always crowded for lunch. I changed jobs and don't get out to Chantilly anymore so I don't know how it is today.

But I've tried the Fairfax Anita's and must very reluctantly report that it's just not up to snuff. About six months ago I stopped in and ordered from the takeout window. The counter staff was not very engaging. The portions seemed very tightly measured and were rather scrawny (why be tight with red beans and rice, of all things?).

Anita's is by no means inexpensive and I was really disappointed by the portions. I picked up one of the Styrofoam lunch boxes and it felt almost empty. I had to double-check that the burrito I'd ordered was in fact a burrito, because it looked way too small. In any case the food was nothing more than unremarkable. I think Chi-Chi's or Chipotle or even Chevy's gives it a run.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that Anita's has gone downhill over the years. I have to agree with that appraisal. Too bad. I won't be going back.

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Posted By John Cho on January 18, 2006 8:57 PM

Having lived in New Mexico for roughly five years (and now residing in Northern Virginia), I can say that I wasn't pleased by Anita's.

I think the best way to test authenticity in a place like this is to try their green chile burritos (chile verde). They did use real chiles. I'm not sure if they used green chiles from Hatch, which is what New Mexico is best known for. The burrito was small and expensive, and it was only filled with pork and a light chile verde sauce (and maybe cheese and rice). I'd much prefer they do away with the cheese and rice, and use potato. The burrito could also be improved by using larger chunks of the pork brisket (which wasn't tender enough). The tortillas are not up to par either.

I walked out feeling unsatisfied, though perhaps Anita's might please someone who was NOT from New Mexico, or maybe someone from the West Coast who enjoys their numerous taquerias.

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Posted By kiddif on January 30, 2005 8:13 PM

Best for breakfast.

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Posted By Matthew Sadler on March 6, 2002 8:35 AM

There's nothing better than a late-night meal after a hard night of studying or just having fun. Typically, you are stuck going to some greasy joint and getting the same old thing. Northern Virginia has a better option. Anita's, the only late night Mexican Food joint that I know to exist, at least in the Mid-Atlantic area and Taco Bell doesn't count.

Most of Anita's fare is no different than a lot of Mexican places. The menu contains burritos, tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and chimichangas. However, it also has breakfast burritos (their specialty), pancakes, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. The variety is tremendous. Their salsa is amazing. All their dishes are appetizing. I personally love the MR. T'S BREAKFAST SPECIAL, which includes 2 eggs, hash browns, refried beans, enchilada sauce, 2 tortillas, and a helping of spicy pork. Nothing like waking up in the morning and putting that into your stomach.

There are several Anita's in the Northern VA area, but only a handful are open really late. All of the restaurants are open for breakfast and they are very easy to find because they are all covered with tacky paintings on their windows.

This place is great but not for the faint of heart.

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