Tia Queta closing in Bethesda after 45 years

The recent wave of closures of some of Bethesda's longest-operating businesses continues. Tia Queta at 4839 Del Ray Avenue announced on Facebook yesterday that it will permanently close on January 31, 2026. The family-owned Mexican restaurant has been in business for 45 years. As the family also owns the property the restaurant stands on, the small lot could be valuable if assembled with the planned - but ridiculously-long-delayed - redevelopment of the Steamers site next door. The Tia Queta property was advertised as being for sale in August of 2024.

Tia Queta building for sale in Bethesda

The building that has been the longtime home of popular Mexican restaurant Tia Queta at 4839 Del Ray Avenue in Bethesda is now on the market. It is available for sale, or for lease, according to the online real estate listing. The building has a feature that continues to be a rarity in downtown Bethesda: an open-air rooftop level. A roof canopy provides more weather flexibility than a standard rooftop deck.

H&R Retail's listing does not mention the asking price, lease rate, or date of availability. Developers have coveted this property for many years, but the family-owned business was not inclined to sell up to this point. Tia Queta remains open for business at this time.

TIA QUETA UPDATES ROOFTOP DECK, MAY OPEN IT TODAY IN BETHESDA

If the weather cooperates, we could have dueling rooftop restaurants in the Woodmont Triangle area of downtown Bethesda this weekend. Tía Queta, a longtime Mexican restaurant on Del Ray Avenue, has revamped its rooftop patio. Now the outdoor space has a new bar, and new flatscreen TVs.

This is the latest upgrade at Tía Queta, which recently got an exterior makeover, as well. The restaurant is already gaining a following among residents of the new luxury apartment tower next door, the Gallery Bethesda.

Tía Queta's timing is perfect, as Woodmont Triangle neighbor Roof officially opened its rooftop dining space on Thursday. It, too, has flatscreen TVs on the roof. With highs of 68 today, and 53 tomorrow, why not swing by both and check them out this weekend?

More snow on the way next week!

Tía Queta, 4839 Del Ray Avenue

301-654-4443

Saturday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

TIA QUETA GETS A MAKEOVER IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Tía Queta, the Mexican restaurant on Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda, is suddenly fitting in more with its new neighbor, the Gallery Bethesda luxury apartment tower. Its previously yellow and blue exterior paint scheme has been replaced with muted earth tones, that blend with the high-rise next door. They still have the traffic light on the roof, and the Margarita St. sign has a prominent placement. The updated logo over the door has a downright fiery appearance. Compare these new photos with the old design as seen in Google Street View:

GALLERY BETHESDA LUXURY APARTMENTS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

More of the facade has been added to the 17-story luxury apartment tower Gallery Bethesda, under construction between Del Ray and Auburn Avenues.

Check out these photos, including two shots that show just how close your balcony could be to the rooftop patio of next-door neighbor Tia Queta.

Hey! Pass those margaritas over here!

STAR PLACED ATOP CRANE AT BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION SITE (PHOTOS)

The Miller and Long crane helping to erect That 70s Building (a.k.a. The Gallery at Bethesda) is taking a star turn for the holidays.

Workers have placed a large, light-up star atop the crane, which previously was unlit at night.

Airplanes and helicopters should have no difficulty noticing the crane now! Down below the crane, Tia Queta was also lit up nicely, projecting a festive mood and colors.