El Paso

The suburbs just ain't as exciting as everyone makes them out to be. Sure, I love coming home from a week in New York or Chicago and not seeing a single soul for several days on end, but it lacks a certain amount of excitement and glamour that a big city embodies.

But one of the best things (or perhaps, one of the few things) about living in the suburbs of Washington DC is the food. It's EVERYWHERE. Much of it is spectacular. Great meals for little money. And hidden in the most random of places.

One of our greatest discoveries over the last few years is El Paso.


We found El Paso after making a pact to try a new restaurant every week. After driving by El Paso for almost 2 years and admiring the building's absolutely atrocious aesthetic, we felt compelled to give it a shot.

Since that time, few other meal options have ever come to the forefront of our minds. In a word: incredible.

Our top recommendations:

Shrimp Camarones.

Burrito Al Pastor (a half eaten example):

The chips and salsa are fantastic. Practically a meal unto themselves.

El Paso has two locations: Springfield and Alexandria. If forced to choose between the two, I'd hit the Springfield location: it's the original and the best.

Church's English Shoes: RIP

One of the few bright spots in the dismal DC retail scene was the Church's English Shoes Store at NW 18th and L.

It seemed like a great fit: bench made English shoes from a company with a long and storied history, classic styling, and excellent service. A perfect fit for the DC elite.

Sad to say, the DC location has since closed.

Why? just because someone makes a ton of money doesn't mean they spend money. Especially on men's shoes.

Most of the guys I've worked with over these last few years (six figure salaries, nice cars, few obligations) dress terribly. No one in DC cares. Triple pleats, poorly cut polyester suits, and frayed ties rule the scene. Exceptions remain few and far between.

Regardless, I'm glad I got to pick up a few pairs of shoes that will, in all probability, outlive me.