By Alex vu | @dcnomster
What did you do last Tuesday? Did you hit up a Taco Bell? Maybe you went “all out” and got a Chipotle burrito with extra guac. Well, either or, you need to step up your game because Taco Tuesday is a weekly ritual that you need to start practicing. Here are seven spots to get you started because I know you can do better.
Chaia From selling out at DC famers markets to finally making it permanent at their brick and mortar spot in Georgetown, Chaia has taken the taco world by storm with their veggie-based tacos. They’re calling it the “farm to taco” movement, I call it the only thing that would make me convert to vegetarianism. Their Instagram is one of the most Insta-worthy accounts in all of DC. So many colors. |
Espita Mezcaleria
This place legit just opened up in Shaw, aka the place to be for the best eats in DC at the moment. Sure, you can order up some tacos, but you’d be missing out on the ceviches and other goodies. For me, it’s the mole. They’ve got a number of variations, but know that each one took hours upon hours to prepare. Plus, this place has some legit mescal; there’s a reason it’s got the word “mezcaleria” in the name.
This place legit just opened up in Shaw, aka the place to be for the best eats in DC at the moment. Sure, you can order up some tacos, but you’d be missing out on the ceviches and other goodies. For me, it’s the mole. They’ve got a number of variations, but know that each one took hours upon hours to prepare. Plus, this place has some legit mescal; there’s a reason it’s got the word “mezcaleria” in the name.
Oyamel
When you think DC celebrity chef, you think Jose Andres. Oyamel is known for serving up small plates inspired by Andres’s interpretation of Mexican cuisine. You cannot miss the tacos. I dare you to order the chapulines because you know you want to tell your friends you’ve eaten grasshopper.
When you think DC celebrity chef, you think Jose Andres. Oyamel is known for serving up small plates inspired by Andres’s interpretation of Mexican cuisine. You cannot miss the tacos. I dare you to order the chapulines because you know you want to tell your friends you’ve eaten grasshopper.
Taco Bamba
Turn on your GPS because this place is a little hidden. They’ve got the classics that you can have served in the traditional double corn tortillas or even in sopes but they’ve also got their specialty house tacos as well. The El Beso is my recommendation which has both beef tongue and crispy pork – meat on meat action FTW. Did I mention the chef beat Bobby Flay on his own TV show? Just google Victor Albisu and you’ll get the rundown.
Turn on your GPS because this place is a little hidden. They’ve got the classics that you can have served in the traditional double corn tortillas or even in sopes but they’ve also got their specialty house tacos as well. The El Beso is my recommendation which has both beef tongue and crispy pork – meat on meat action FTW. Did I mention the chef beat Bobby Flay on his own TV show? Just google Victor Albisu and you’ll get the rundown.
Taqueria Habanero
For straight up, no frills, authentic tacos you need to hit up Taqueria Habanero. Your tacos will be garnished with simple onions and cilantro, and you can bet they’ll have all the usual suspects of chicken tinga and barbacoa to my personal favorite al pastor. Order up a Jarritos to wash all that tortilla goodness while you’re there too.
For straight up, no frills, authentic tacos you need to hit up Taqueria Habanero. Your tacos will be garnished with simple onions and cilantro, and you can bet they’ll have all the usual suspects of chicken tinga and barbacoa to my personal favorite al pastor. Order up a Jarritos to wash all that tortilla goodness while you’re there too.
Takorean Some nights you’re craving Korean BBQ while your friends are begging for tacos. Why not satisfy both parties and hit up Takorean. With locations at Union Market, Metro Center, and The Yards, there’s no excuse for you not to grab some bulgogi tacos with all the toppings. |
Tico
Another celebrity chef in DC, Michael Schlow has set out to bring you eats influenced by his love for Spanish, Mexican, and Latin cuisine right in the heart of the U Street Corridor. Small plates ranging from octopus prepared on the plancha to scallop ceviche to an assortment of tacos, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
Another celebrity chef in DC, Michael Schlow has set out to bring you eats influenced by his love for Spanish, Mexican, and Latin cuisine right in the heart of the U Street Corridor. Small plates ranging from octopus prepared on the plancha to scallop ceviche to an assortment of tacos, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.