October 14, 2005
Warning: Not-to-Be-Missed Tacos and Burritos
In a town rife with mediocre Mexican food (read Austin Grill) and big-time chains (read Chipotle), Taqueria Distrito Federal is neither of the above. This Columbia Heights taco joint is the real deal. The menu is honed to the bare essentials and specialties with burritos and tacos and homemade soft drinks like tamarind juice and horchata, a cinnamony concoction made of pulverized rice. Nothing exceeds $5. When DCist ventured over there, two ate for $13 -- and it was damn good.
We wouldn’t normally recommend chicken—it’s usually a poor attempt at “healthy.” But the chicken taco here does not shy away from fat or flavor. It was outstandingly tender and rich with tomato and peppers. Also not to be missed is anything with chorizo or the beef barbacoa. As if we weren’t already smitten, the owner let us know that soon he will be serving tortas, or Mexican sandwiches made with meat, guacamole and beans.
The owner, a longtime D.C. resident, said he wanted to open an eatery in Columbia Heights to give the neighborhood some life. It’s a local place that caters to whoever walks through the door. We suggest you do that soon.
Taqueria Distrito Federal
14th Street NW between Otis and Oak streets
Metro: Columbia Heights
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Five words: Mix Tec in Adams Morgan
Thank God. I grew up in Texas and since I've lived here I've had to fly home to get decent Mexican food. I've tried most places here in DC and its all pretty lame. Taqueria style food sounds good, I'll be checking it out this weekend! Thanks!
Also posted here in case anyone wants to rate it:
http://www.buyindie.net/store.php?store_id=89
Mediocre? Loreal? Cactus? Alero? Guapos? All great places.
Oh good. Since moving from Northern California, I've been DIEING for an honest to goodness family-run, single store Taqueria. And I've walked by that store on my weekend jaunts from Petworth to U street and dupont, and wondered if it might be the real thing.
For some fantastic El Salvadorean food (their roasted chicken is mind blowing), check out the restaurant/bar with the big neon sign just a little further up 14th street near Spring Road.
Friends in the Bay Area took me to Taqueria Cancun in the Mission and I've longed for a place with that vibe here.
The jukebox was a bit loud, especially for such a small establishment. But the tacos were fantastic. I especially enjoyed the chicken taco -- spicy but not too much so and lots of flavor.
Just an FYI so there's no confusion, the tacos don't look like the taco pictured above. I'm sure you all knew this but just in case.
Oh, man. Let me add my voice to the chorus. The tacos are tasty as hell...the guy who owns the place--friendly and gregarious. The good buzz on the chicken seems to have gotten back to him. Thsi taqueria is a keeper.
As a huge vegetarian burrito fan, I have to ask about the veggie options. Anyone?
(Although I do make some killer vegetarian burritos at home -- they kick lobster mac's butt ;-)
Here's a link to a map.
Just came back from lunch at this place. It was okay -- nothing to write home about.
been to lorial, been to mixtec...lorial has great carne asada, very inconsistently...mixtec just plain stunk the two times i tried it... but federale is a sure thing every time. tacos are the best value...and they'll make you want to slap your mom.
so good, i'm eating some now, in fact.
Way late on this one. Check out Taqueria Pepitos Bakery on Columbia Rd. / 16 & 17.
Here is their website for their site in Gaithersburg and the recent article on the Post. I'm so happy this joint opened up!
http://www.montgomerycountymd.com/SponsorPages/bizinfo.asp?spid=3156&site=14
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/29/AR2005112900267.html
Pazole now served on Saturdays, and it's a fine version too.