Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana opens doors on Friday with housemade tortillas, guacamole galore and, as the name implies, tons of mezcal.
Located at 3714 14th St. NW, its menu will feature some of the same authentic Mexican street fare found at its popular sister spot, El Sol.
Chef Alfredo Solis will integrate more tastes from his native Mexico City, with 17 different street tacos, Mexican stews, four fresh ceviches, and in-house sauces. The Washington Post’s Tim Carman just named El Sol as his favorite cheap eat of 2016, and Mezcalero’s prices also won’t break the bank.
At the restaurant’s entrance, guests are greeted by Gallo—a colorful, six-foot tall rooster and Mexican icon.
Inside, murals of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Juan Diego, and Oaxacan butterflies line the walls, as do black and white photos of performers like Pedro Infante and Cantiflas. The 63-seat spot will add a dozen more seats when the patio opens.
Leaving the place sober will be tough, as there’s a whopping 60 types of mezcal and craft cocktails from head bartender Arturo Zaloga (of Marvin, El Rey).
Solis’ story encompasses the American dream: After immigrating to California, he started as a dishwasher at Passion Food Hospitality’s Fuego Cocina y Tequileria and worked his way up to executive chef after 10 years.
