El Patio - Rockville

Visiting El Patio feels like taking a trip to Argentina without leaving Washington, D.C. The food and drinks are unmatched! Not only is the cuisine exceptional, but the wine and deli shop also evoke nostalgia for my Argentine friend. The Parrillada for two is so generous that it could easily feed a family of four. We ended up with leftovers after our meal!

We ordered the steak with chimichurri sauce, a few empanadas, and flan. Everything was delicious! The corn empanadas reminded me of my Argentine grandmother's corn empanadas. I highly recommend asking for extra chimichurri sauce; it was the highlight of our meal. We forgot to take photos before we dug in, and the steak was quite generous in size.

Asado, or barbecue, is a rite of passage for many Argentinians—more than just a meal, it’s a ritual experience that not everyone can master. El Patio brings this tradition to Rockville. Here, you’ll find commonly enjoyed cuts of meat like flank and NY strips, as well as less typical options such as mollejas (gizzards) and chinchulines (beef small intestines). The range of choices is enticing, leaving you to decide where to start. The meat is cooked to your preferred temperature and can be paired with their house wines, available for just $5 a glass—Pinot Noir, Malbec, or white wine—all promising a delightful treat. Don’t miss the empanadas, either baked or fried; they’re more than just a dish—they embody the Asado experience. If you're curious about Asado, you might enjoy the satirical documentary 'Todo sobre el Asado' on Netflix. However, this place is definitely not recommended for my vegan friends.

Cosy place with a few outdoor tables serves deliciously flavored, traditional, hearty Argentine dishes at very decent prices! A great place to go in a small group (2-12) to have fantastic food, drinks and a nice conversation!

A really nice place. Very humble interior, nothing too fancy. Wait staff was very efficient given that they were understaffed. Our wait staff was very helpful and sweet. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was chill and relaxing.