Washington, D.C.’s Top Ten Tacos & Tapas
As an avid food lover I am always on the lookout for something new and delicious, whether it’s vegan or Asian Mexican fusion. My epicurian ways prompted me to find the best tacos and tapas the District has to offer.
Here are the most mouth-watering tacos and tapas of D.C..
1. Takorean, Union Market
Takorean began as a popular food truck, but they have since expanded to locations in The Yard and Union Market. Build-your-own Korean BBQ tacos are definitley worth the fifteen minute wait in line.
Recommended: Hoisin tofu tacos with spiced kale kimchi slaw
2. District Taco, DuPont, Eastern Market, & Metro Center
District Taco also began as a food truck, but their Yucatan style Mexican food demanded a storefront (or three). With such convient and plentiful locations, there is no excuse to not visit this taco joint. The toppings and salsas are myriad, so you might have to visit several times to exhaust the options.
Recommended: Barbacoa or Carne Asada tacos the “Mexican Way” (with cilantro and onion)
3. Oyamel, Penn Quarter
A great spot for Hora Feliz, where you can get two tacos for $4 and sip a margarita for $5. Oyamel boasts an impressive wine and tequila list, which accompanies the lively atmosphere of the dining room. Try the unusual Chapulines taco, made with sauteed grasshoppers and tequila!
Recommended: Taco de hongos con crema (Sauteed mushrooms with shallots and Mexican cream, salsa serrano, pickeld red onions)*
*Vegetarian!
4. Surfside, DuPont
Inspired by the beach, Surfside is a 24 hour hole-in-the-wall that makes incredible tacos, burridos, and quesadillas. Their 11pm-11am menu even features breakfast tacos. Bonus: they deliver!
Recommended: Nevis (Grilled shrimp on corn tortillas with yellow rice, pineapple mango salsa, cilantro, avocado and lime sour cream)
5. La Tasca, Chinatown
What’s better than great tapas? Tapas with bottomless sangria at brunch. La Tasca has a rustic ambiance and great service to accompany their endless list of tapas.
Recommended: Patatas Bravas
6. Taco Bamba, Falls Church
Okay, so not exactly in D.C., but well worth the trip to Virginia. Award-winning chef Victor Albisu also has a resturant, Del Campo, in Penn Quarter.
Recommended: the Taco Bamba (Skirt steak, chiorzio, grilled guacamole, chicarrones)
7. Boqueria, M Street
Inspired by Barcelona’s tapas bars, Boqueria has the best tapas in D.C. They have typical dishes such as patas bravas and gambas al ajillo, but they also have a variety of market fresh specials that are offered each week.
Recommended: Croquetas Cremosas (mushroom and ham croquettes) and Pulpo a la Gallega (grilled octopus, picaul olive oil mashed potatoes, and smoked pimenton)
8. The Argonaut, H Street
Although it’s not strictly a taco or tapas resturant, The Argonaut offers your choice of chicken, shrimp, fish, steak, and tempeh tacos. The fish taco alone is worth the trip to H Street. Just $3 on Taco Tuesday!
Recommended: Fish tacos with cheddar, pico de gallo, cabbage, cilantro slaw, and remoulade
9. Far East Taco Grille, 15th St. NE
This food truck is another taco fusion that combines Korean, Japanese, and Latin flavors. Whether you venture to the storefront or track down the truck, you need to try these tacos. Like Takorean, you’re able to create your own tacos for endless possiblities. Track the truck on Twitter!
Recommended: Bang Tang Chicken with zestly chipotle slaw and sala roja
10. San Antonio’s, Brookland
It may not have the best Mexican food in D.C., but San Antonio’s is close to our hearts and thus deserves a place on this list.
Recommended: Anything with a side of Mega Margs