Reviews
Personal Touch
Bethesda MagazineFamily-owned restaurants in the Woodmont Triangle section of Bethesda have relationships with customers that span decades. At Tia Queta, a Mexican restaurant on Del Ray Avenue in Bethesda, you never know who your waiter will be. “I used to joke I had the most expensive help of any restaurant,” says owner Roberto Montesinos, whose restaurant was one of about a half-dozen in town when he opened in 1980. “One of my dishwashers was my lawyer. My wife, a professor at American University, waited tables.”
Our Favorite Outdoor Drinking Spots
Relive a trip to Mexico on this Bethesda rooftop. The space is partially covered—good for rainy evenings—but catches a refreshing breeze. Order a pitcher of the house margarita and enjoy bottomless chips and salsa.
Lorrie Pendleton
June 2, 2023
Great seafood choices. Sauces made the dish.
Nancy Kane
April 23, 2023
The shrimp fajitas were delish. The staff were all very friendly.
Paige G
April 23, 2023
Customer service is stellar. Which is great because 99.9999 I dine alone. The gentleman is sooo nice. 2nd time I also met I believe one of owners daughter. Or maybe not. (Long blonde hair & young) She was so nice. Food the first time was great. Second time is was OK. Chicken enchiladas need more with flavor. Chicken seemed canned & mushyy. Like cilantro, small diced onions and cumin (little) However, the Verde sauce was very good.
Peter Burbank
April 18, 2023
Tia Queta is my favourite restaurant in Bethesda -- I take all of my visitors there and everyone loves it, as well. The personal service and welcoming ambience is only exceeded by the fantastic food. Try the superb mole, the great beers on tap and enjoy the rooftop seating when the weather is warmer. Andrew, John and team really go out of their way to make all of their guests welcome! Highly recommended.
Brenna Collins
April 12, 2023
Service at the bar was amazing! Rice was actually flavored and beans were phenomenal. I had the carne and it was cooked to my exact request. Margaritas were great too!
Kylarth Gozar
April 8, 2023
Tia Queta has been a reliable mainstay of my dining experiences in the DMV area for years now. I've been a repeat customer there because of the great service, excellent margaritas, and fantastic menu. I personally believe that there simply is no better mole to be had anywhere in DC, hands down. Period. End of discussion. Their Mole Bueno is a classic Mexican dish you can get to try it out, but I recommend getting the grilled chicken tacos and asking them to add the mole sauce. They're very accommodating in that respect, going the extra mile to make your meal exactly what you'd hope for. Another item that is an absolute must if you go are the Tacos Al Pastor and if you prefer to have the meat without the soft tortillas, just ask for the Carne Enchilada dish. The Tia Queta margs will keep you asking for more or you can try the Iceberg (a pour of frozen margarita floating in light Mexican beer, quite the summer treat!) I would say this restaurant is less Tex Mex and more authentic Mexican with an extensive menu that includes plenty of seafood dishes. It's without a doubt a hidden gem of Bethesda.
Melaura Homan-Smith
April 8, 2023
Tia Queta is a great family-owned Mexican place that has stood the test of time! The covered roof is lovely for margaritas and food in the summer, and downstairs is always cozy during the colder months. The house margarita on the rocks is a fresh go-to, the nachos with chicken or steak (made on individual chips to ensure crisp perfect bites) and shrimp tacos, or pork shoulder or short rib tacos seasonally, make for a fantastic meal. While they do have some typical familiar Mexican dishes, they also have amazing mole, seafood, and a wide variety of pork and beef options beyond what you'd expect from DC Mexican food. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and happy to go the extra mile when needed. Love this place.