Reviews

Family-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.”

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.

Tia Queta aims to please. Want half-chicken, half-beef nachos? No problem. Want hot, soft tortillas with your entree? Coming right up. The server may casually refer to your table as “guys” and give you plenty of time to finish your meal and still linger over your water if you want. It's all very relaxed.