When visiting Colonial Beach, much of the attention is focused on the beach and Potomac River. But tucked away on the other side of the peninsula and on the quieter Monroe Bay, you will find a hidden gem: Los Hermanos Cantina & Mexican Restaurant.
True to its name, Los Hermanos (which means the brothers in Spanish) is run by brothers Jesus and Hermelindo Martin who spent a number of years running restaurants for others in Richmond before deciding to open their own restaurant in June 2022.
The large space boasts a full bar, indoor dining for 150-200 people and a smaller seating area on the deck overlooking the water. While Colonial Beach is known for its tourism, locals and visitors alike have since made the cantina and restaurant a favorite, allowing them to stay open year-round. “We’ve gotten great support from the town,” Jesus Martin said.
On a chilly and windy April afternoon, we could not take advantage of the outdoor deck, but it will be the perfect place to catch cool breezes and watch the ospreys or boats from the neighboring Bayside Marina come and go as the weather warms.
While the weather outside may have disappointed, the food inside did not. The recently updated menu, which boasts being “fresh—authentic—unique” was certainly that. And extensive. With so many options of classic Mexican entrees, seafood, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, as well as a kids menu, there truly is something for everyone in your group.
Martin said the birria tacos, with the flavorings of the traditional Mexican stew and including a birria-style broth, have become a popular addition to the menu. Other new options ideal for the warmer weather ahead include fish or shrimp ceviche and shrimp cocktail. This is not just any shrimp cocktail, this cold shrimp is marinated in citrus and served with cocktail sauce, fresh onions, cilantro and tomatoes, along with avacados. Martin is proud of all the menu, but when pressed to pick a favorite, he chose the quesadilla Texana—grilled chicken, steak and shrimp—along with onions and bell peppers.
Apps
Of course, we started with warm chips and salsa, (fresh from the fryer) but we also added the first surprise of the meal—plantains. The banana-like fruit was lightly fried, caramelized and seasoned to create a savory/sweet combo and paired with queso fresco (a soft, crumbly Mexican cheese) and sour cream.
Another appetizer sure to please is the guacamole. Prepared at the table side, it does not get any fresher.
Entree
For entrees, I chose a traditional plate of chicken fajitas, while my husband ordered the second surprise of the meal—the super piña. More on that in a moment. In my book, nothing beats fajitas when it comes to enticing your senses. Served in a cast iron skillet, you are greeted with the sound and smell of your sizzling hot meal before it makes it to the table. The fresh ingredients, served with soft tortillas and sides of rice, refried beans, pico de gallo and sour cream, it is a build-your-own meal experience.
Back to the super piña, which was a feast for the eyes and tastebuds and lives up to its name. The half of a grilled pineapple “bowl” is loaded with steak, chicken and shrimp, pineapple chunks and lightly topped with a cheese sauce. The caramelized pineapple and onions, the perfectly cooked shrimp—it really was super in size and taste.
The restaurant also boasts a sizable drink menu. In addition to a number of fun Mexican or beachy-themed cocktails, there is an extensive choice of tequilas and margaritas, including flights. The margarita flights are made of strawberry, blue, mango and pama (pomegranate liqueur) flavors. The tequila flight is yet another touch of fun sprinkled into the menu—four different tequilas served in a plane, complete with sparklers at the tail.
Dessert
The dessert menu includes some sweet tastes of Mexico to close out any meal. Classic flan, churros, sopapillas, fried ice cream and what we ended up choosing—xangos. This fried flour tortilla, filled with creamy cheesecake and served in a portion for sharing, was a perfect way to end our lunch.
With lots of warmer days and untried menu options ahead, it is certainly worth a return visit.
