South Laurel

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor

A mural in the dining room of La Casita Pupuseria. (Photo: Diane Mezzanotte)

A friend recently commented on the wide variety of ethnic restaurants in my immediate area. She’s right: Laurel’s Route 1 corridor between Cherry Lane and Contee Road is chock full of diverse dining options. I thought I’d highlight a few for fellow foodies, putting the spotlight on one that is literally in my neighborhood.

La Casita Pupuseria

After Italian restaurant CJ Ferrari’s closed several years ago, its building along Route 1 in the Oakcrest neighborhood sat empty for quite a while. A chicken-themed restaurant opened—very briefly. Then last Fall, after more than a year of remodeling and waiting on permits, the owners of the popular La Casita Pupuseria chain reopened the doors to launch their sixth DC-area location.

La Casita features Salvadoran food ranging from lighter fare such as pupusas, tamales, and tacos to full-sized platters of chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Of note, the menu includes a Maryland Pupusa, starring lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning. Vegetarian options are available, most of them centering on the protein-rich seda red bean. Almost all food is gluten-free, and diners can order pupusas made from either corn or rice flour.

For coffee lovers, lattes and espressos are available; smoothies are made fresh on site; and several Central American classic drinks are available. A small grocery section boasts good take-home options: bottled soda, salty snacks, cookies, and individual servings of dulce de leche. Finally, unlike most area restaurants, La Casita offers breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu features traditional egg dishes such as huevos rancheros as well as chorizo, a spicy sausage.

A friend and I recently lunched there. We were impressed with the interior makeover: colorful murals grace the walls, windows were added to enhance natural lighting, and an open-air layout gives diners a glimpse into the kitchen while somehow avoiding the usual noise of those settings. We both enjoyed the crispy corn enchiladas served in the style of an open-face sandwich, and I became instantly addicted to horchata, a rice and cinnamon drink.

Judging from the all-day activity in the parking lot, and based on my own experience, I’d say that La Casita Pupuseria has already developed a loyal following in Laurel. (La Casita Pupuseria is located at 14311 Baltimore Avenue.)

Other Foodie Destinations Near Oakcrest

Here are more restaurants along Route 1, listed in order as you travel south from Cherry Lane. Note that this list is not all-inclusive!

• Mango’s Grill. A Mezzanotte favorite, specializing in Mexican and Salvadoran dishes. Their fajitas and combination platters are quite popular. My favorite chips and salsa in Laurel. (14605 Baltimore Ave.)

• Kabu Japanese Steakhouse. “Where flavor meets fun.” Traditional hibachi and sushi dishes, prepared in front of you by skilled chefs who can land a grilled shrimp right in the center of your plate with a flick of the wrist. (14601 Baltimore Ave.)

• CAVA. Middle Eastern food served as greens- or grain-based bowls; you select proteins and toppings via Chipotle-style ordering. When I saw that a CAVA was opening, I literally yelped with joy. Get the toasted pita chips as a side; you’ll thank me for it. (14398 Baltimore Ave.)

• Hip Hop Fish and Chicken. A fast-growing franchise that started in Baltimore, Hip Hop uses secret seasoning blends—including a lemon pepper-heavy one called “Crack”—on its fried chicken and fish. Order a single-serve or family-size box, add southern-style sides, and don’t forget the sweet potato pie for dessert! (14215 Baltimore Ave.)

• Soul Boat Seafood. Southern-style cuisine featuring fresh tilapia, whiting, flounder, and catfish. Shrimp po’boys, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and candied yams are just some of the other menu items. (13929 Baltimore Ave.)

• My Kabul. Founded and run by a family of Afghan refugees, My Kabul was named one of 2024’s best new restaurants by the Washington Post and is truly a hidden gem. I recently had a three-course meal there and loved every bite: samosa appetizer, lamb kebob, and a pistachio baklava. (13919-4 Baltimore Ave.)

• Kingsway. West African cuisine includes traditional meat pies, fish rolls, jollof rice, yam-based dishes, and several stews. Some more unusual (to Americans) meat offerings are goat, tripe, and cowfoot. (13919-8 Baltimore Ave.)

• Amigos. Family-owned business serving traditional Mexican food, including seafood dishes and my personal go-to, flautas. Their website describes the atmosphere as “vibrant.” Attendees at this year’s Cinco de Mayo festivities would be inclined to agree! (13600 Baltimore Ave.)

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Diane Mezzanotte is a staff writer and member of the Board of Directors for The Laurel History Boys. In addition to covering Laurel city municipal news, she also reports on all things from South Laurel.