Southwest on Washington

Man, I just seriously can't believe that you guys think that TLQA is good. It sucked, big time! I was excited to go check it out since it was a good review. Wow! The food tasted like, you know, you know (SHIT). I didn't even eat there chips and salsa because the salsa was like take it away from where I'm sitting so it won't take up my space. Pretty bad. The bar could have been enhanced some and I don't know it just was bad. I think the people that liked the food just don't know any better.

Wow! I am really surprised this place got a semi good review. I have been about three times and have always been dissapointed. I always ended up eating a few bites off my plate, then taking dinner to go from les givrals. The tequila selection is excellent but they have no idea what they are doing with some of their food on the menu. The calamari was not great, along with the blue corn fried oysters.. and I was very put off by the over chili powdered empanadas. They should focus more on their tequila and turn it into a bar/lounge, since the bar is always crowded, or get a new menu.

Nicely written and informative, though I still confess to feelings of backward time-travel when I see the word "Southwestern Cuisine". Who knows, maybe the old excesses and foibles of SW cooking have vanished a decade later, and TQLA is now a harbinger of a recycled trend gone right.

If so, I suppose that Washington Ave is the place to be, as the fashion quirks tend to be regurgitated from the 60's, 70's or '80's, worn proudly without irony.

On the other hand, TQLA might have considered the Woodlands, as that burg is young enough to have never lived through the first wave, and would consider it a complete novelty.

If they are now doing something right with their waitstaff, they must have learnt something or they had turnover. Been there twice, great food, lackluster service with little knowledge of tqlas. Glad to hear that has improved.

Has the soundtrack in there improved? Have they fixed the spelling errors on the dinner and drink menus?

What's a carburetor? My last three vehicles have come with fuel injection! ;-)

I had the same trepidation you did, Katharine but we have truly fallen in love; It is a go-to place for us. Mad for the chips and salsa, guac and queso (with or without the chorizo); love the chicken enchiladas (and don't mind the chunks o' moist chicken) and I appreciate the not-crazy portion sizes. We've tried most of the menu (sans dessert) and have yet to be disappointed. Drinks are great as has been service and I think the prices aren't bad at all. Don't fear The Washington ... go!

Our server was fantastic. They're doing something right when it comes to training the waitstaff. Can't wait to go back and try other tequilas and entrees.

TQLA is our go-to place. We've tried most of the menu items and were never disappointed. The food and presentation, drinks and service have been so good that I wonder why it's not crowded. I hope your review changes that, I'd hate to see them go away! One of the best guacamoles in town, the mushroom tamale is great, the bowl of beans delicious, even the chicken tortilla soup packs a kick. Case and Hanna have been excellent servers, suggesting tequilas and giving us history lessons. TQLA has a lunch menu now and Sunday is happy hour all day in the bar. We also love the free parking in the garage which is a rarity on Washington. Oops, almost forgot to mention the Quattro Leches cake (with coconut milk), pretty awesome.

Shredded chicken is for poor people. Be happy you got the chunks.

Good write up. I was shocked at how much i enjoyed this place, as well. My favorite tequila has been one that was aged in a barrel that originally housed scotch. I will be trying their burger and guacamole very soon. I've yet to be disappointed at what I've eaten there.