After having an unpleasant experience at another restaurant in the area we came to Judy’s and this was meant to be! The service was amazing, our server Fidel was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks. Fidel gave us really good recommendations. We ordered one tamarind margarita and one lemon margarita with mezcal, they both were delicious and fresh! For the food, we ordered pupusas revueltas and pupusas with cheese and beans! Best pupusas I ever tried! I’m definitely coming back! The service at this place is really great! SECOND VISIT After a great experience at Judy’s last night, I wanted to come back to explore more the many and I’m glad I did! Fidel’s customer service was exceptional as the first time. This time I tried Bistec a la criolla, Judy’s combination and for dessert I had their 3 leches cake and their flan. Both were divide, I can recommend this place enough! THIRD VISIT AMAZING! The Lomo Saltado and Burrito was incredible delicious! The margaritas were tasty! Loving this restaurant! ❤️ the customer service is 100 points! 10 out of 10!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes

Judy runs one damn fine Salvadoran shop. Yeah, I know. Salvadoran food gets kind of a bad rap in the DC area, but this place bucks the trend. Gone are the rubbery, pale hockey puck papusas. Judy's papusas have texture, flavor, and oh, so much cheeese! Gone is the overcooked, watery al pastor slop. Judy's slow-cooked pork is the perfect texture and is simply bursting with a rich blend of flavors. I'm salivating right now just thinking about it. Gone are the flavorless, can-to-plate, Goya-heavy trash served at most Salvadoran joints. Judy's has Masitas de Cerdo Fritas and Carne Deshilada con Huevo. Don't even ask what those are. Just get them and thank me later. Sure, the place looks a little shoddy from the outside (and kinda like a repurposed office on the inside). Sure, the beer selection is kinda blah. Whatever. It's time to shut up, order a Modello, get those papusas, get that slow-cooked meat, and learn why Judy's is such a beloved little joint. You won't be disappointed.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes

Really enjoyed coming here. Randomly came across this place and was interested in checking it out. The food is absolutely delicious especially the steak dishes. The steak is so juicy, tender and delicious. The plantano is sweet and perfectly crisped in the edges. The service was phenomenal and the staff were very attentive and proactive. Highly recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Queso Dip
Vegetarian options
They offer a few vegetarian options
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking, Paid street parking
Parking
Very hard to find street parking

My girlfriend and I love this place. We live a short walk away and this is one of our regular go-to spots. They have delicious Salvadoran food. Having sat at the bar, shared a pitcher of margaritas, and ate much of their food on multiple occasions, we’ve come to appreciate what they have to offer. I will acknowledge that the atmosphere is not necessarily the greatest - the space has most definitely seen better days - and the service isn’t always amazing, but the food and prices are fantastic. This is not the place to go for a special night out, but it’s excellent if you’re a local, you’re hungry or thirsty for a margarita, and you want some consistently good Salvadoran food. I’d especially recommend the pupusas and quesadillas.

If you want great food for a great price come here. You'll leave with a belly full of delicious food. On my visit I got to try the Judy's Combination that came with a chicken tamal, taco de res, and a beef enchilada. Everything was delicious, but I think if I had to order them I'd say the enchilada was my favorite and the taco the res was my second favorite. The tamal was good, but I'd rather switch it out for another enchilada.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
Vegetarian Burrito

DC needs more restaurants like Judy. Reminiscent more of a no frills, home cooked meal than a restaurant where workers work for a paycheck and churn out low quality food. I went right when it opened and was greeted by a very nice older (probably) grandmother. She was the only one working. I asked her what I should order and was told the burrito azteca - got that and pupusa. She then went back in the kitchen and whipped it all together. Very phenomenal food and after years of eating at street food stalls around the world, the best food always comes from the women who have been cooking for decades. My friend told me about here over a year ago and always put off giving it a try, until yesterday. Wish I went sooner.

I came here for the first time on Cinco de Mayo. It was busy and I had a great time here. The food was really good. The carne asada was $18 a damn good steak. Very flavorful and a big portion of the skirt steak. Our waitress was awesome. She was very busy but very attentive and nice. The host was awesome. We wanted a different table closer to the bar and he took care of us even though there was a lot going on. It seemed like everyone (the host/manager, all the waiters and the busboys) sincerely wanted to make sure we were good. The margaritas crept up on us. Be careful:) Much rather come to Judy’s than some boujie joint.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

This place has hands down my 5 stars. This place has been around so long and the food will always be A1. You can not go wrong with their pupusas and wings personally those are my go to meals when I come here. Now drinks are not expensive they are very convenient when it comes to pricing. If you need a late night meal this is the spot to hit up.Please bless the amazing bartenders, Kevin and Fidel are everything they are such a joy to talk to. I wish I could have took a pic of my meal but unfortunately you can only enjoy a pic of my alcohol.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Taco
Dietary restrictions accommodated
Not sure

*COVID REVIEW* My review is long overdue and I'm here to say loudly that there are few places in the city as delightful and reliable as Judy's. All their dishes are delicious and excellently prepared, they continue to serve so much food you'll eat leftovers for days, and their takeaway service for the pandemic was quick and well packed. They're known for their pupusas including numerous vegetarian options and you can't go wrong with adding that to your meal at just $3. But really, everything is delicious, so I won't bother listing the menu. I hope Judy's sticks around for another century.

Bomb late night pupusa place. I was in the area and hungry during the week. Didn't want fast food or diner food and the line at Surfside was a mile long on a Wednesday. I saw Judy Restaurant and went for it. The pupusas were delicious. Super cheesy and pork was very tasty. Has a cool vibe inside. Also vegetarian options available. And the employee working was super friendly. Really completed the experience for me. Highly recommend
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Vegetarian options
Vegetarian options

This authentic oasis saved us for brunch on a Sunday morning. Blearly-eyed, hungover, and homeless after having to check out of our AirBnB at 10am, we needed brunch badly. Most of the options around 14th NW are overpriced and over-booked, leaving us yearning for a chill hole in the wall with good food. Like fate, Judy's appeared before us. I *loved* my campesino breakfast and am still thinking about that rice. Even my companions from Texas were thoroughly impressed. Thank you for salvation, Judy Restaurant. I will be back.

5 stars for the great prices and service. I do wish they’d have some more vegan options though, I got the veggie burrito which was steamed and pretty much unseasoned vegetables in a tortilla, I ended up deconstructing it and mixing it with the rice and beans on the side to give it some flavor. My boyfriend is not vegan and loved his meal, and I know the food is good quality, I guess I wish the veggie options were a little more thought out. Still leaving 5 stars as they’re so so nice here and make you feel right at home.

I’ve been to Judy’s around 30 times, more than any other restaurant in DC. They have excellent food, great and friendly staff, and a ballin Carne Asada. I’ve eaten at the bar a 25% of time, dined in about 15% and taken out the remainder. Solid spot.
Service
Delivery
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: No
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

One of my fav spots in the entire city. I feel like this is the last place left that has been able to survive the super rapid gentrification in this neighborhood and I hope they'll be around for many more years to come. Bomb pupusas and margaritas and great mix and match combos. I've tried most of the food on their menu and there hasn't been anything I haven't liked. The burrito azteca, chicharron and NY strip steak are my favs.

This place is always a joy to stop in the guys really know how to take care of the local community. Know lots of folks by name. The only reason I knocked a star on food is because its actually affordable food! It's your North of U St. Restaurant industry bar!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

Great time! Fidel was so friendly and offered wonderful dinning and drink suggestions. What amazing service! The back space is full of opportunities and I hope Judy soon capitalizes on the wonders this area can offer. Let me know if you’re looking to rent this space our or have an idea on how to update this secondary room!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

The best spot for casual food in the area. I go here like once a week! Papusas are amazing, chicken quesadilla is the best I’ve found in dc, the soups and phenomenal and taste home made, and the drinks are always good. The bar gets pretty packed at night making it a really fun place to stop in and have late night food or grab a drink. Employees are so friendly, I can’t speak more highly of this gem

Restaurant Judy is a great neighborhood place for a low key meal and a few beers. They have amazing pupusas and enchiladas, but the tamale was a little soggy, though still pretty yummy. There are lots of options on the menu and usually lots of space to sit. Definitely a great neighborhood gem and a steal in comparison to everywhere else on 14th street.

This is the lunch spot when I crave pupusas and a brief retreat from the city. Worth coming in to sit down; not somewhere I choose fork a 'quick bite' or takeout. Server/bartenders are always so friendly and welcoming; I always feel cared for with their genuine warmth. Nice menu selection of Salvadoran fare. Never disappointed. Hidden gem on 14th!

Had a great birthday dinner here, incredible authentic Salvadorean food, tasty ceviche, and a great mezcal margarita. Would definitely recommend to a friend!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Not sure
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Best pupusas in the DC area, no joke! The pollo and loroco are both great, queso a classic too. Everything else I've ordered has also been delicious. Great, affordable, friendly service, tastes homecooked. A+++
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes

Had some delicious tacos at Judy tonight. The steak and pork were especially good, and they give you a large portion. Great vibes in here, and the server/bartender is an absolute homie. I've also had the queso dip and one of their burritos, both of which are fire.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner

Service really slow (more than likely attributed to it being New Year's day) as it took us 10-15 min to even see any staff and be seated with a menu despite restaurant being nearly empty. Food good and had authentic feel. Good portions for the price. Cocktails seemed as though did not have any liquor in them.

Got the carne Asada plate and it was pretty good. I then saw they were famous for their pupusas so I ordered one with pork. Never had one before so I didn't know if mine was good or not but the cheese to me was terrible. It balled up in my mouth and tasted like rubber after a few seconds of being in my mouth.

Consistently good food and service. Best horchata I've had in the US and better than most that I've had in Mexico and Guatemala.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Lengua Guisada, Taco

Date night in DC - but make it reasonably priced with big portions :) Overall: 8.45/10 (4.23/5) Vibe: 7.25/10 Service: 10/10 Pupusa revuelta: 9.5/10 - one of the BEST I've ever had! Carne asada: 8/10 Chicken fajitas: 7.5/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

I absolutely love this place! The history , ambience , the people , the food, the staff and best of all the memories made here. Shout out to judys. Took me a while to get on the picture wall, and it's an honor. Dont know what you need to do to make it, you just make it if you fit the vibe I guess

The food was good but they got my order wrong. I ordered pork and cheese papusa but the papusa they gave me only had cheese in it I ordered to go so I didn't know until I got home. The steak taco was really good but the chicken taco was just okay.
Food: 4
Service: 4

I walked down 14th Street with my significant other & we stumbled on this amazing restuarant. From the amazing drinks, the savory carne asada & kind hosts; it’s a must have. We will definetely be back!
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The food was extremely delicious! I ordered the burrito azteca with steak and it was amazing. The servers were super nice and accomdating. The horchata was also good. Best restaurant in the area that I have been to!
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Last night ordered pupusas after reading some reviews. To be honest, I wouldn't order from here no more. Customer service was great, but the pupusas were made with a poor cheese quality. Didnt taste like pupusas. Also I got an upset stomach sorry not sorry. …

I ordered a Steak & cheese which was burnt & the portions was small with a order of bag fries that you literally can count 15 no lie that's how many I had. I will not nor won't recommend anyone to go there it's a waste money & time. Don't do it. …

Great food at this place! I wasn’t so sure when I walked in because it is nothing fancy at all, very dive bar looking. The staff were friendly though and I sat by the window and ordered the El Tipico (tamale, pupusa, and enchilada) which was amazing!

Best papusas I’ve had in DC! Everything is well portioned, fresh, and delicious. I called in a take-out order of two papusas, guac, and a sweet corn tamel and everything was ready in 15 minutes. Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!

My go-to local spot. You can't go wrong with the pupusas, the lengua guisada or the burrito azteca, and the service is friendly and great. The place isn't the nicest looking but it's tolerable.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

No what…food was FIRE. The Sopa de Mariscos con Crema y Huevo was delish and was a very large size. They also had an amazing jalepeño salsa with chips. Great latin music in the background…will definitely be back next time I’m in that area! More

It was an unplanned stop; we were pleasantly surprised at how outstanding the food tasted. I appreciated that they served flour tacos; the carne asada was my favorite.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Great service , delicious food , and drinks are the BOMB!!!! Love this place and best prices in town .
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

Great flavor, good service and a clean place
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Not sure
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Those is our go to spot for nights we don't want to cook. The food is good and consistent and the prices are really reasonable for DC. The soups are actually really great and I would recommend them. As well as the cheese pupusas.

Amazingly delicious food without the pretentiousness. Very polite and truly friendly staff. Very fair prices, you won't believe how affordable this place is for being in the middle of downtown DC. Best margarita in town by far.

These pupusas are NO JOKE (and were 3 for $8 I think?), and they're open late! Don't miss this spot for Salvadorean food.Three different veggie pupusas! Drinks are cheap and delicious and the people are super, super friendly.

Great authentic food, amazing people and always a fun atmosphere. While not as fancy as the cookie cutter spots on 14th, you'll leave with better food, smiling larger, and a little more cash in your pocket. Try something new!

Best pupusas in DC. Best way to spend 3$ in DC. Best El Salvadorian food on 14th Street. Best Family restaurant on 14th Street. The tamales are good, too. My whole family loves this place. I've never left here disappointed.

Totally delicious food, great margaritas, and friendly service. You can’t beat it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

They are the best
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Carne Asada, Burrito, Taco, Quesadilla

We love this spot! Really great pupusas (pork and bean were my favorite) and the carne asada is top notch. Very filling and affordable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Had 3 great and amazing pupusas and a margarita right after a gig at the 9:30 Club. Couldn’t have had a better way of ending my night! Absolutely delicious! and a must go for a late night bite and drink(s)!

Great happy hour prices here. Food is very tasty and very filling (and relatively inexpensive as well. My main issue here was speed of service. It took us about 45 minutes to get served after seating.

This is a great place for a cheap drink and solid food. Everything is reasonably priced and I highly reccomend getting the 32oZ Regia for 11$. It's 5.2% and will get your night off to a perfect start.

Judy's is my local haunt. You get a free basket of chips with your beer, pretty good food, and an atmosphere that is mostly (but not entirely) devoid of moneyed, well-dressed people in their 20s.

The Food Was Amazing! I had the lomo saltaldo and it had so much flavor, I will definitely be back. Hats off to Judy for the great service and hats off to the chef, one of the saltaldo I have had

Some of the best food I have ever had!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Features
Dine in: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

Possibly the only affordable place left on 14th but the food is way better than most of the over hyped hipster nonsense restaurants that have names like "Barley"and use weird stuff as plates.

Whenever I'm working in the DC area This is where I like to eat my mexican food. Menu is very simple and easy to order from. For a white boy from AZ. It works great, the staff very pleasant.

This is a great local hangout. It's got a bit of a divey feel, but the cheap pitchers of margaritas, and the great food, and friendly clientèle make this a great stop in the neighborhood.

I watched a Real Madrid game there, I sat at the Bar with two family members The food was very nice, but service was amazing
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Food was decent. It seemed like the kinda place I'd go to a lot of I lived in the area, but If you are visiting I wouldn't recommend it. There are better places nearby to eat.

Great Food at at Judy's been living in The area for over 30 yrs and Judy's always had Great food.So come out and enjoy some Salvadorian Mexican food will love to see you there

**EDIT** I came back a day after my review. Everything is excellent, and I’m here to say DO NOT SLEEP ON THE DESSERTS!!!!! The flan and tres leches are simply divine.

Low quality food with not much flavor. The popusas all taste the same no matter what type you get because they skimp on ingredients. The seafood soup was also bland.

This place is a gem. Hurry before it gets gentrified out of existence. Sometimes the food is unevenly prepared, but the pupusas are great and the beer is cheap.

This place is absolutely fantastic. The drinks offer the best value in town and the customer service is beyond A1. Will definitely be coming back! 10/5 stars !

With all the money I just saved by canceling my 200$ flight to El Salvador, I can order the 3 pupuas for 8$ like, more than 6 times from this awesome place.

Amazing food and service!!! Such reasonable prices and good vibes. Food is the best I’ve had in DC and the margs are so good. 10/10 would come again

What I ordered was a smaller portion compared to others. My friend's nachos were a little burnt. I'll give them another try but not anytime soon.

Omg that carne asada plate, and the micheladas too so good plus good customer services. The food was a little bit delayed but it worth it …

Best food in the city, coming from someone who lived in DC 5 years. My family wanted to go here every time they visited. Get the chicken nachos!

Some of the best food at the best price pupusas taste just like when my aunt used to make them when I was little! And Nachos are real Nachos!

Amazing Papusas. Great service. Relatively cheap drinks
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great bartenders and very large portions of food. The hours for the kitchen are flexible, which is good for those late summer nights.

Papusas - amazing, Queso - amazing, margaritas - amazing, plantains - AMAZING. Come and eat here, your life will be better for it.

Delicious, with a fantastic, varied menu. Great portions at a great price as well. I can see it becoming a go-to frequented place

Judys is great! Everything they make is good! Pollo gusido is my goto! It's one of the best places to eat in the city! BLESS JUDY

A hidden gem of a restaurant! The menu was delicious, fresh, and filling.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely fantastic, authentic food and excellent service. Plantains are a must-try here. Lots of vegetarian options as well.

Tasty food. Very fresh ingredients. Menu has many different options. Service was attentive. Overall very positive experience.

a word never comes is bad attention is good but their selection on the menu is limited and very little taste for Latinos

Salsa was awful, place was kinda dirty. Enchiladas quesadillas were adequate. Rice and beans were not seasoned at all.

Best value and papusas in the city. Open late and has Gray service. My fav go to spot for good quick El Sav grub...

Judy's is GREAT! The food is fresh and tastes AMAZING. Bar service is Stellar thanks to Vanessa. Best kept secret.

Have been here multiple times and enjoy the laid back ambiance, cheap happy hour, and incredible Salvadoran food

As long as it is the home of DC Comedy Writers Group it is Awesome! Food is Authentic and Cheap! Lovvvvvvve Judy

Best pupusas in DC; one of my favorite neighborhood spots
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Awesome food at good prices and great El Salvadorian beer. Bartenders are always super nice and down to earth

It was delicious. Got a burrito smothered in jalapeño Blanco cheese. And omagah. Was my tounge dancing.

The food was great! But the inside of the restaurant was falling apart and the bathrooms were gross.

Good drinks and may be a reason to go a little farther up 14th st pass U st to have a good time.

Incredible food, inviting atmosphere, EVERYTHINGabout this place is great... Highly recommend

Proverbial hole in the wall...good food and drink reasonably priced.. Ambience inot so much

Judy and her staff were friendly and a lot of fun. Will come back again when I'm visiting.

Truly a hidden gem in the Colombia heights area. Cant get enough of their chicken tacos

Drinks for Margarita Madness March were awful. Service was awful! Never ho back again

The SPOT. Margaritas are strong, the salsa is good, and the people are the best.

The corn tamale and cheese pupusa were very good. I would definitely come back!

Great experience reasonable price for food and drinks and they serve food late.

Great food at great prices. And staff is very friendly. Drinks are good too!

Pupusas tasted great, service was excellent, 5/5 I will be returning again!

Good place to eat, clean, good customer service, nice selection of items

Tasty sandwich, but nothing like the torta I was hoping for. No bolillo.