Image: Pernilicious.
Last Updated: January 2026
Overview:
A bit like the little engine that could, Qui Qui just keeps moving forward, increasing in renown as it does. The festive, bright corner spot in Park View packs them in with big portions of Puerto Rican favorites. It is a great place to satisfy your plantain-based cravings and explore the cuisine.
The plates can be eaten as standard apps and entrees, but probably work better when split. As Gabe Hiatt in the Post remarked, the “chuleta kan kan, a two-pound pork chop-chicharrón hybrid” may not fit on your table. On our recent visit, a large whole snapper (chillo frito) with crispy exterior and tender insides held down a central spot on the large table. The shrimp mofongo comes draped in sauce, which helps it from drying out as you constantly go back for just one more bite. The chicken and rice is a creamy bowl with big pieces of meat that transcends any basic idea you have in your head. Fried items like the bacalaitos disk of cod and the basic cornmeal fritters were stars. And, of course, the pork was tender and rich in flavor, whether on tostones (lechoncito) or as a main. Puerto Rico, after all, has a Pork Highway. Despite the big meat dishes, vegetarians can do well. The slow cooked pork of pernil has a sibling dish with jackfruit that even meat-eaters could like. The house’s take on flan and a plantain pudding were both surprising, creamy and worth sharing.
The bar to sit-down ratio almost feels like one-to-one with a large L-shaped bar defining the space. Cocktails, especially rum-based ones, have a similar place of privilege. Options also include a sampling of the holiday favorite coquito.
Moving to a larger space after losing the spot above the Passenger in Shaw does not appear to be challenge. Tables are packed, people are smiling, passing plates, and holding forth into the night.
Other Guidance: Located at street level.
Summary:
Cuisine: Caribbean
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/Petworth
Address: 3227 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Website: https://www.quiquidc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Elezar Sontag gives it 2.5 (bordering on outstanding) though he did not like the pernil – IG post in case you cancelled your subscription. In the old days, Adele Chapin put it on a list of pop-ups to try. Gabe Hiatt praised the original spot.
Washingtonian: 11 new places they were excited about in January 2025 (anticipating the move).
Washington City Paper: Before departing for Brussels, Jessica van Dop DeJesus did this profile of Chef/Owner Ismael Mendez and his path to opening. Also, be sure to check out her You Tube page and help her monetize the magic.