Enjoy New Mexico–Style Mexican Food at Anita’s

Anita’s has been a Northern Virginia institution since 1974, when the family-run chain first opened its doors with a mission to bring the bold, earthy flavors of New Mexico-style cooking to the D.C. suburbs. For decades its locations were all outside the Beltway — until 2024, when Anita’s opened its first Arlington outpost at 3444 Fairfax Dr. in Virginia Square. The grand opening featured a mariachi band that drew long lines of fans who had been knocking on the window for weeks, and the timing felt inevitable: 75 percent of the chain’s catering business was already coming from Arlington and D.C.

What makes Anita’s distinct from most area Mexican restaurants is its New Mexico roots — the red and green chile sauces that define the menu come from a tradition rooted in the Hatch and Albuquerque chile cultures rather than Tex-Mex. The signature breakfast burritos, smothered in house-made red chile and wrapped around eggs, potatoes, and cheese, are available all day and are wildly popular. The Arlington location runs as a slightly streamlined fast-casual model with a focused menu and quick service. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (11:30 p.m. on Fridays).

Address: 3444 Fairfax Dr. | Website: anitascorp.com | Phone: (571) 290-0659