Discover Authentic Flavors at Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food
Nestled in the vibrant community of Arlington, Virginia, Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food stands as a beloved local institution dedicated to bringing the distinctive, rich culinary traditions of New Mexico straight to Northern Virginia. Located conveniently at 3444 Fairfax Dr Suite 4, Arlington, VA 22201, United States, Anita's is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary destination where every dish tells a story of heritage, flavor, and genuine hospitality. For decades, this establishment has cultivated a reputation built on serving truly authentic New Mexican cuisine, a style renowned for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, most notably characterized by the generous and flavorful use of Hatch green chile.
Stepping into Anita's, patrons are immediately greeted by an atmosphere that balances casual comfort with a commitment to quality. The focus remains squarely on the food—dishes prepared with time-honored techniques and the freshest ingredients available. Whether you are a long-time resident familiar with the nuances of New Mexican cooking or a newcomer eager to explore a new dimension of Mexican flavors, Anita's offers an experience that is both deeply satisfying and memorable. The dedication to maintaining the integrity of these traditional recipes is evident in every bite, setting it apart from standard Tex-Mex fare.
What truly defines the dining experience at this Arlington staple is the commitment to authenticity that permeates the entire menu. New Mexican cuisine is distinct, relying heavily on specific preparation methods and, crucially, the signature chile peppers that give the food its characteristic warmth and depth. Anita's has mastered this balance, ensuring that whether you prefer your chile red, green, or "Christmas" style (a mix of both), you receive a flavor profile that honors its origins.
The enduring popularity of Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food can be attributed to several key factors that resonate deeply with the local community and visiting food enthusiasts alike. These elements combine to create a dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations:
The Signature Hatch Green Chile: This is arguably the cornerstone of Anita's reputation. The use of high-quality, flavorful Hatch green chiles—often roasted to perfection—provides a smoky, earthy heat that is central to authentic New Mexican dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and chile rellenos. This ingredient is treated with the respect it deserves, elevating simple ingredients into complex, satisfying meals.
Commitment to Traditional Preparation: The kitchen adheres closely to time-tested recipes passed down through generations. This dedication ensures that classic dishes retain their true character. From perfectly seasoned meats to handmade tortillas, the focus is on depth of flavor achieved through careful, traditional cooking methods rather than shortcuts.
A Welcoming, Community-Focused Atmosphere: Situated in a convenient location on Fairfax Drive, Anita's serves as a reliable gathering spot. The environment is designed to be relaxed and inviting, making it suitable for quick lunches, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. The service complements the food, offering a warm, familiar touch.
Diverse Menu Reflecting Regional Specialties: Beyond the ubiquitous chile dishes, the menu showcases a variety of regional specialties unique to New Mexico. Patrons have the opportunity to explore items that highlight the region's culinary diversity, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to try, even for repeat visitors.
Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food represents a vital piece of Arlington's culinary landscape. It successfully bridges the geographical gap between Northern Virginia and the Southwest by delivering genuine, robust flavors in every serving. The restaurant understands that great food is built on a foundation of quality ingredients, respect for tradition, and a genuine desire to please the diner. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of New Mexico—a cuisine celebrated for its bold spices, comforting textures, and unforgettable chile kick—a visit to the establishment at 3444 Fairfax Dr Suite 4 is an essential culinary journey.
Explore the true taste of the Southwest right here in Arlington.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Menus
Photos
Reviews Anitas New Mexico Style Mexican Food
Vincent Watson
16-12-2025
This is a great spot to grab a bite. Friendly staff and delicious food.
Service…
More
Dinesh Maria
16-12-2025
Food was amazing, felt the service could have been better. I’ve had better service experience. Location and availability of street parking in Arlington was great. More
Eric Feazel
06-12-2025
Breakfast burritos from Anita’s. Anytime I hear that my ears perk up. These little breakfast burritos are the best way to start your day. They have a menu of items for lunch and dinner but I have literally only visited them for breakfast burritos. The prices have increased over the years so they are not as cheap as they once were, but they are still somewhat reasonable. The staff at this location is very friendly and move quickly to put your order together. The restaurant is clean and makes good use of the space.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Burrito, Steak and Egg Burrito & Breskfast Burrito Special
Evan Bjorndal
30-10-2025
So much flavor. Shared the macho nachos and shredded beef enchiladas. This was my second time here and it’s been consistently good. Quickly ascending to be one of my favorites in Ballston/Virginia Square More
Ann A
26-10-2025
I was so HAPPY to find out that there was an Anita's in my area!!! I only discovered Anita's when I used to work in Vienna back in like 2015. There is one litteraly down the street from my previous employer (NFCU). I ordered 3 BB special, 1 BB steak, 1 side of plantain, and 2x chicken empanada. The plantains came with 6 pieces, which a couple had a weird after taste. The empanadas were different. Didn't know they used corn. The breakfast steak burrito had more eggs than steak. The BB special burrito is always good. Will definitely try other items on the menu but will not be ordering the breakfast steak burrito, plantains, or the empanadas.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Burrito
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Lelia Nebeker
24-10-2025
The legendary Anita’s finally has a location closer to my home! We went at 6 on a weeknight, and the food came out so quick! I have always loved their food from the original location, and the service was fast and friendly here. Highly recommend the breakfast burritos and pupusas, but everything is great. They have a happy hour until 6, and takeout is always a solid choice. Thanks to Raul and Valentina for taking care of us! So happy to have an Anita’s in Arlington!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
patty canavan
11-10-2025
Great local place (although there are several locations in NoVA). Food always tasty, large portions, street parking and outside as well as inside tables. Some outside tables have umbrellas. Great service! More
Daniel Babinski
07-09-2025
Best breakfast burritos in the area, by far! Whatever combo of eggs and potatoes and chilies they use creates a texture and warmth and depth of flavor you just don't get anywhere else. And the staff is so friendly and helpful! I used to sometime drive out to McLean for Anita's, it's so great having them right in Arlington now!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vincent Watson
05-09-2025
This is a great spot to grab a bite. Friendly staff and delicious food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Gina Lujan
25-08-2025
Out of the several restaurants and food joints I visited in DC, from all different types, this place was actually my favorite. The girls working there were SO sweet and were nice enough to make recommendations since we were from out of state. I got 2 burritos (taking one back with me to my hotel for later) and they were perfect. I got the country style one that had the ham and gravy and the other was the chorizo burrito. The chorizo was my favorite. I'm so sad that we don't have one in California!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Ashley Carswell
24-08-2025
Not a fan. Maybe it’s the style of food but everything was too sweet or off in flavor. My sangria was so bitter I couldn’t drink it. The chile relleno is an inch of batter with very little pepper inside and everything was covered in cheese. … More
Kristin DiPalo
24-08-2025
The service was great. Seated quickly, kind server, someone who maybe was the manager/supervisor trying to make things right because my food was terrible. It was like steamed meat, like rubber, too much sauce all over everything, the sauce … More
Kate Summers
31-07-2025
So glad Anita’s is finally in Arlington! We are long-time customers at their other locations and thankful that we no longer have to drive for their delicious food. We enjoyed enchiladas and burritos with a side of chips, salsa, and queso. Food came out very fast and was amazing. Love the New Mexico flavor! We dined on the patio and service was perfect: wait staff were lovely and obviously well trained. Prices are reasonable and Anita’s offers specials for early diners. We are also super interested in their catering: prices seem great and would be perfect for a family takeout meal. Highly recommend!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Katie Sayer
12-07-2025
I ordered delivery for a BB Veggie breakfast burrito and unfortunately it was not what I was expecting. The veggies in the burrito were obviously frozen mixed veggies (edemame, green beans, peas, cubed corn), not what you would normally … More
John West
02-07-2025
So I’ve never heard of this restaurant before, but I’d thought to give it a try. They have soo many options to choose from lol I honestly couldn’t decide but I got two things. I ordered the wings & a super burrito, honestly speaking that … More
Tasandra Benn
24-06-2025
My son and I had the pleasure of dining here on Saturday, and our experience was nothing short of amazing, thanks to Lupita! The service was incredibly fast, and she greeted us with a warm, genuine smile throughout our visit. She checked on … More
Grace Marchello
13-06-2025
In comparison to other fajitas I've had over the years, these lacked typical Mexican spices and flavors you find in Mexican cuisine. The fajitas themselves were well cooked but were very bland. In addition, there were very few vegetables included in my meal.
The refried beans were smothered with a tomato red sauce and the rice tasted like your typical Mexican rice.
The food wasn't bad by any means but it was definitely overpriced for what you got.
We did a take-out meal. The service was excellent and I appreciated the packaging style of the meals. The overall vibe of the restaurant is great but I found the food disappointing.
The restaurant is conveniently located between the Clarendon and Virginia Square Metro stop. There is very limited paid street parking available. It is best to walk to this location.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Wheelchair accessibility
Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
Petra Pulchartova
09-06-2025
If you’re serious about breakfast burritos, do yourself a favor and head to Anita’s. I’ve tried several breakfast spots across DMV, but nothing hits quite like Anita’s. It’s comforting, flavorful, and feels like home, wrapped in a tortilla. … More
Anushka Mankunath
07-06-2025
Great spot for breakfast burritos! I got the potato chorizo burrito which was the perfect size for me and had a good mix of potatoes, chorizo and the chili sauce. It also comes with a hot sauce to add to the burrito which made it even better. We ordered online for pick up and it was ready when we arrived. Everyone was really friendly and helpful as well. Id love to come back and try their main menu items!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Thomas Whitcomb
25-05-2025
I thought the service was exceptional, super friendly and quick to help with suggestions and the colors and atmosphere was laid back and relaxing. I thought the actual food was actually better than many places I’ve eaten in New Mexico … More
Don C
14-05-2025
I love this place! And so happy to see this new location across from my job. I have been a fan of Anita’s and coming to their locations for years.
This family owned establishment offers some of the best Mexican cuisine and … More
Ali Vidler
09-05-2025
This place is great for a fast casual vibe but also sit down service and a small bar you can sit at.
We got a bunch of appetizers to try, including the taquitos, guacamole, and some cheese dip.
They give you chips and salsa, and I felt that the salsa was a little thin and more liquid than salsa.
The service was great and I really enjoyed the bean dip. We got tacos and pupusa, which were all delicious and very much felt like Tex mex.
I thought everything was delicious and the prices were pretty good so I’ll definitely be coming back !
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Ruth Wittenberger
17-04-2025
First time going here and that was enough. It is NOT Mexican food. I ordered steak and it did not look or taste like it so I do not recommend it. My son ordered salmon and it was so dry, we were left unsatisfied with the food but a big shout out to the server. More
raul z
02-04-2025
Delicious breakfast. Iconic breakfast burritos. If you have lived in the area and haven’t tried these breakfast burritos you should be judged and shamed! So happy they opened a location in Arlington with an amazing happy hour. More
Tylden Mosby
27-03-2025
Love the breakfast burritos here, I try a new one every time but will always get the Cowboy as my first option, delicious! Great to-go system where you can order ahead and pick up in 10-15 minutes typically. More
Andrew Rocco
27-03-2025
Waitstaff and vibe are nice. Unfortunately, the food was extremely underwhelming and lacked seasoning. The guac was especially disappointing and tasted only like bagged shredded lettuce. Additionally, the "grilled veggies" side is literally … More
Abigail Stiglich
23-03-2025
We are so lucky Anita's has come to Arlington! This is hands down the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. I ordered the strawberry frozen margarita and the Taco Mexicano Combo, and both were fantastic! The prices are just right for the generous portions and the fresh, flavorful food. The service was outstanding, especially thanks to Angie and the rest of the staff, who were incredibly attentive. I can't wait to come back soon!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Bryan Poulsen
19-03-2025
Breakfast burritos are good. The rest is basically cat food.
Service
Din…
More
Shiven Patel
07-03-2025
The service and atmosphere are great, but let’s talk about the food. I ordered the spinach and mushroom enchiladas. My plate came out 2 minutes after I ordered, which is a bad sign considering they claim these are “hand rolled.” … More
Bryan Poulsen
22-02-2025
Breakfast burritos are good. The rest is basically cat food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Brad J
17-02-2025
We live in the neighborhood and have been waiting for Anita's to open since we knew it was coming. Today, Clarendon Day, we walked down after checking out Clarendon Day (easy walk from Clarendon Metro btw) and WOW . . . it was everything … More
Noah Baca
27-12-2024
I am from NM, and the red chile breakfast burrito was authentic and tasty! Happy to find a place like this all the way out here.
Reviews Anitas New Mexico Style Mexican Food