Food nerds and folks hailing from the West and South West have long decried D.C.’s paltry Mexican food scene. In particular, we’ve been dreaming of tacos—delicious, authentic tacos. Not those crunchy Taco Bell monstrosities, but a fresh corn tortillas filled with flavorful meat and dressed simply with salsa and a squeeze of lime.

The wait is finally over. These are the tacos you’ve been looking for.

Tacos El Chilango, a beloved Arlington food truck, has opened up a tiny storefront on an otherwise residential block at 11th and V Street NW. There are a handful of tables, but most folks take their plate of tacos to-go. The ambiance is minimal, but that’s not the point. Unlike many taco joints in D.C., the owners are not El Salvadorean. They are Mexican, and the difference is palpable on the first bite.

Fillings include steak, beef tongue, chicken, chorizo, al pastor (pork cooked in a lusty marinade of onion and pineapple) or a mix of chorizo and chicken or steak. There is also a selection of vegetarian options: cheese with avocado, peppers or mushrooms. Tacos El Chilango uses yellow corn tortillas—soft and freshly grilled—and delivers them with onion, cilantro and radish slices on the side. Mild, medium and igneous habanero salsas are available at a corner salsa bar. Tacos are $2.50 a pop.

The chorizo and al pastor tacos were the two stand-outs at my last visit. The chorizo had a kicky heat, while the al pastor was saucy, with a noticeable pineapple tang. The steak and chicken were notably moist and chopped finely for easier eating, though the tongue was a little bland. The only disappointment was the guacamole, which was more onion and cilantro than avocado. House-made aguas frescas (tamarind, hibiscus or horchata) are lightly sweet and refreshing, a perfect complement to the petite tacos’ spicy flavors.

Tacos El Chilango
1119 V Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Metro: U Street or Shaw

Hours: Monday – Friday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.