A taco trio at the soon-to-open Mezcalero. (Photo by Mezcalero)
Finding good Mexican food in D.C. can be a frustrating task, and there’s no shortage of West Coast transplants bemoaning the city’s paucity of options. But this week brings new reason for new optimism with the opening of Mezcalero (3714 14th Street NW), a new restaurant from El Sol chef Alfredo Solis. The space debuts Friday, Jan. 13 with a menu packed with Mexican food favorites and plenty of drinks, including nearly 60 types of mezcal.
Solis says he has been planning project for nearly a year and a half, and looks forward to providing the Columbia Heights neighborhood with an affordable spot for fresh Mexican cooking. True to that goal, tacos cost $2.50 to $3 a piece and most other dishes are between $10 and $15. House margaritas, made with tequila or mezcal, will be $8.
Solis and his team will make everything in house, including tortillas, sauces, and bread. The menu is anchored by 17 taco options such as al pastor, carnitas, mushroom, crispy fish, nopales, and chicken tinga, but they’re not the only highlight. There will be plenty of other choices too, including ceviches, soups and stews, salads, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
“I love tacos,” Solis says. “But not everyone wants to go eat tacos all the time.”
Mezcalero also plans to serve a three-course weekend brunch for $17.95 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
As the name would suggest, Mezcalero is also serious about its drinks. The bar program will be overseen by Arturo Zaloga, formerly of Marvin, The Brixton, and El Rey. There will be nearly 60 varieties of mezcal in addition to cocktails priced between $10 and $12 and a selection of local and imported beer for $5 to $7.
Mezcalero is just a stone’s throw from Taqueria Habanero (3710 14th St. NW), an acclaimed spot among locals for tacos and casual Mexican fare. Still, Solis says he isn’t worried about stepping on any toes.
“I think there’s enough business for both,” he says.
Mezcalero opens Friday. Operating hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The kitchen will stay open until midnight during the week and 1 a.m. on weekends.
Mezcalero Cocktails by Travis on Scribd
Mezcal Food Menu by Travis on Scribd
