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Mateo's Santa Fe Cafe: Restaurant Reviews

5081 Waterway Drive, Dumfries, VA
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Ranked #4 of 14 restaurants in Dumfries
Cuisines: Spanish
Most recent review
- Jan 1, 2013
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6 reviews from our community

50% Recommend
    2
    1
    3
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Mateo's Santa Fe Cafe
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Dumfries
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Authentic Southwest”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 1, 2013

The experience here has definitely evolved since they opened up, they are constantly tweaking the menu, flavors, tableware and portions. There are some nice things on the menu, and it's fun to choose from a large variety of authentic southwestern items you don't see from most casual dining restaurants. Free chips and salsa. The jalapeno cheese soup is very good, has a kick to it, and is great for dipping with your free chips. The soup used to be spicier, we think - they may be responding to comments about the heat. The portions seem to have gotten smaller, but seem to be in line with what you'd get at a Friday's, Ruby Tuesday's or places like that, if not a bit more generous. Like the margarita here, good variety, full service bar. We will probably eat here 3-4 times a year. With the evolving menu and presentation, agree with a previous reviewer that it often has the feel of "we just opened" and some of the waitstaff seem a bit inexperienced at times, but they have always been pleasant and helpful, and will make every effort to make things right. We like this place.

  • Visited December 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
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Manassas, Virginia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Not A Bad Place”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed December 11, 2012

The southwestern menu is decent. There are several nice choices and they are usually good. The service has never been impressive. It's ok once or twice a year.

Visited September 2012
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Dumfries, Virginia
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
51 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“Mexican/Southwest Here”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 18, 2012

Food was authentic southwest, not quite sure we knew what that really was. Prices a little steep for portions and variety. Still seemed to be in the "we just opened" mantra, after a year.

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