El Pike Restaurant

Johnny & Mario Sanchez, owners

The oldest Bolivian restaurant along the oldest road in Arlington, Columbia Pike, celebrates more than 30 years in business. The family that owns the restaurant got their start in Cochabamba, when the grandparents opened a restaurant in the Totora Hotel. From that point, cooking was instilled into the family. Fast-forward to Arlington, El Pike Restaurant continues to be a family business where everyone has a role. Each member brings a specialty to the kitchen. Brothers Mario and Johnny respectively know about meats and sauces. Sister Jenny specializes in raw condiments. Another specializes in everything dough related.

Previously called Pike Pizza, the Sanchez family took over the business and capitalized on the pizza oven to bake their prized salteñas, a typical dough-based baked empanada full of sweet and savory flavors. But there’s so much more to offer, such as the popular pique a lo macho, silpancho (tenderized steak with rice, potatoes and two fried eggs). One thing is for sure, the flavor has a homemade taste which is hard to find in most places. There’s even an option to keep or remove carbohydrates from each menu item to make it “keto-si” or “keto-no.”

With a staff of 15, most use public transit. Four staff walk to work and ten use the bus. You’ll find a good mix of clientele who enjoy the Bolivian cuisine. Each Thursday night is open mic with the house guitarist. With frequent bus service on Columbia Pike and easy walk or bike access, it’s time to visit El Pike Restaurant.

El Pike Restaurant
Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22201
Go car free to El Pike Restaurant