Dish of the Week: Tacos
Where: Tomatillo Taqueria

Transplants to D.C. from the Southwest have long been asking, where are the good tacos/Mexican food? Many point to Taqueria Distrito Federal or Taqueria Nacionale. One of the best tacos that I’ve found in town is actually at Bar Pilar, with cubes of veal tongue, a fantastic spicy sauce, cilantro, and radish. Unfortunately, it’s not always on the menu. But thanks to a tip on Don Rockwell, I’ve found Tomatillo Taqueria. This taqueria opened three weeks ago in The Big Hunt. Really. The. Big. Hunt.

The operation is run out of the large bay window from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $6, you have a choice between three tacos or a burrito. Filling options include barbacoa, carnitas or chicken along with pinto beans and vegetarian black beans. Free toppings include pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, roasted tomato habanero salsa, queso fresco, onions and peppers. Guacamole is an extra $1 on top of a burrito or taco.

These tacos may have garnishes that are a departure from typical California tacos, with an overstuffed quality similar to Chipotle. But the wonderfully moist, flavorful meat makes these far superior to most other tacos in this city, which so often feature meat that’s been allowed to sit drying out in chafing dishes. Be forewarned that the line moves a little slowly, but it’ll seem well worth it once you have meat juice and salsa running down your arm.