Anita’s Restaurant has been a part of the Vienna scene for over 30 years. It started as a little mom-and-pop place serving authentic New Mexico-style cuisine, which relies heavily on the flavors of gr een and red chilies. This flavor focus dif ferentiates it from other styles of Mexican cooking such as Tex-Mex. Over the years it has grown from a single storefront to seven locations: Ashburn, Chantilly, Leesburg, Fairfax, Herndon, Burke, and my local restaurant, the Vienna flagship restaurant that replaced the original.
I started going to Anita’s as a kid and immediately fell in love with the New Mexico home cooking. The meal always starts with a dish of golden corn chips. They are the perfect vehicles to scoop up the deep red, slightly spicy salsa. Order one of their margaritas or beers, and you have the perfect pre-dinner snack to nosh on while studying the menu. Your kids can order sodas or smoothies in flavors like piña colada, mango, and strawberry-banana. Anita’s menu is huge! There are appetizers such as guacamole, quesadillas, bean dip and sampler platters. They also have a number of combo platters. Many feature tacos or enchiladas or burritos along with rice and some of the tastiest refried beans I’ve ever tasted! We usually each order a different combo and then share: chicken and beef tacos, cheese enchiladas, chili rellenos, deep fried taquitos, and delicious tamales filled with pork. There is a kid’s menu, too, that has chicken fingers, tacos, mini burritos, and more.
Recently, my family made a Sunday trip to the Vienna Anita’s. We knew we’d get some great food but forgot that we could order breakfast. Two of many Anita’s selections are the Huevos Rancheros and the Spanish Scramble. The Huevos Rancheros are eggs cooked with red or green chilies and served with refried beans, home fries, and tortillas. The Spanish Scramble features scrambled eggs topped with your choice of chili sauce and shredded cheese, and served with flour tortillas.
I found the atmosphere at the Vienna location to be very “diner-like” with its booths, friendly service, and the addition of American breakfast. That’s right, while you are munching on your breakfast burrito or chicken taco, your dining companions can order favorites such as french toast, omelets, hot cakes, and other traditional fare. Then, if you still have a little room left after your chips, your eggs, or your tacos, don’t miss dessert! My daughter ordered churros that came out hot and crunchy and topped with whipped cream.
Anita’s has become a Northern Virginia institution because it is a great family place that serves a flavor ful variety, whether you are there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The employees — from the hostess to the waitresses to the bus boys — are friendly and efficient. There is even a full catering menu perfect for your next event. So, next time you want to have Mexican with a flavorful twist, head to Anita’s.
