About the Laredo Grill

"Why do you want to find this place?
Because it's good."
That's what the Montgomery County Gazette had to
say about the Laredo Grill. Read the entire review,
jump in the car, and head for Muddy Branch.

Mario and Martha Amaya opened this wonderful cozy restaurant in May, 2000 and it has become a favorite among Gaithersburg residents.

Casual and bright, Laredo Grill offers incredible value with cooking bordering on the sublime. This Festival Shopping Center outpost shows an expertise with fresh seafood rarely displayed in the region's Mexican/Salvadorian restaurants. Owner Mario Amaya says many regulars don't even look at a menu, heading straight to the specials board for fresh fish such as whole red snapper and flounder, pan fried in garlic sauce or a house "Laredo" sauce of tomatoes, onion and green pepper. Flaky, moist Salmon Compeche is broiled just to charred and glazed in a Cancun sauce that is like delicate bisque, with a clam, shrimp and lobster base mixed with light cream and white wine. Scallops are wonderfully sweet and fresh here, appearing in a lovely saffron and cilantro-accented seafood soup and in several main courses. Standout meat dishes include the New York center-cut Came Asada steak is seasoned with Spanish herbs and a mild garlic butter and served with fresh-cut steamed vegetables. The kitchen makes sure traditional favorites--like the excellent fajitas, burritos and tacos--are given as much attention as the ambitious seafood dishes. Keep in mind Mario makes the sangria himself. Most dishes on the slightly scaled-back lunch menu are under $8, and a kids' menu is always available.

Everything is made fresh when you order and served piping hot. The well-stocked bar offers whatever you would like to drink before, during or after your meal. And the desserts are to die for.

Mario used to work for local eateries, but because of his love of Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine, he decided to open his own restaurant. He wanted to bring authentic Salvadoran food to the Gaithersburg area in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Judging from the success of his venture, it was exactly what the locals were looking for.

To get to the Laredo Grill from I-270, take the Sam Eig Highway (I-370) west. Turn right on Diamondback Drive and then right on Muddy Branch Road. The Laredo Grill is less than a mile down Muddy Branch in the Festival at Muddy Branch.

Locate the Laredo Grill on

Certificate awarded to the Laredo Grill by the County Department of Health and Human Services.