If the words churrasco italiano aren’t in your current culinary vocabulary, they should be after paying a visit to Paila, a Columbia Heights-based Chilean cafe.

Churrasco refers simply to a cut of grilled beef, common in many Latin American dishes.  Sandwiches of the Chilean persuasion are served on a toasted bun with said grilled beef, with toppings like tomato, avocado and mayo, a combination also known as churrasco italiano. I had a chance to swing by Paila to try their famed churrasco sandwiches this past weekend and the verdict is out: they are 100% tasty.

Paila tends to run on a meager, yet impressive two-person operation: a host/ server/ expo person and a line cook. All dishes out made-to-order so if you visit, be patient, as it’s well worth the wait. Be sure to order at the front and let the waiting begin. In just a few short moments, your wait will be rewarded with a churrasco sandwich. My favorite is the churrasco italiano with a fried egg on top. Churrascos also come equipped with a side of chips and tomato salsa to round out the meal.

If grilled beef sandwiches don’t strike your fancy, Paila also serves up Chilean-style hot dogs called vienesas. Much like their churrasco brethren, vienesas come dressed with tomato or avocado and are just as delicious.

Address:

1424 Park Rd NW, Washington D.C. 20010

Hours:

Mon-Thu 7 am – 9 pm
Fri 7 am – 10 pm
Sat 7:30 am – 9 pm
Sun 9 am – 9 pm

Contact:

(202) 391-0792
www.pailagrill.com