Vegetarian Taqueria Chaia Is Expanding to Penn Quarter

Farmers market favorite turned brick-and-mortar eatery Chaia plans to open a second local restaurant this fall at 615 Eye Street NW.

The vegetarian kitchen, which began serving its meat-free tacos at area farmers markets before setting up shop in 2015 in Georgetown, has a new 35-seat eatery in mind for Penn Quarter. Washington City Paper reports that the forthcoming 2,000-square-foot location will feature several upgrades, including more menu options, specialty cocktails, and longer hours.

Opening earlier on weekends would provide diners more opportunities to buy its cherished breakfast tacos, while recruiting a seasoned drinks guru opens up the possibility of attracting cocktail fans from open to close.

Chaia currently serves around a half-dozen tacos ($4 apiece; $12 per trio) filled with ingredients ranging from roasted beets with ricotta salata to butternut squash layered with goat cheese and caramelized onions. Drink options include seasonal shrubs, assorted fruit juices, plus select wines and local beers.

Co-founder Bettina Stern tells WCP more Chaias are likely to follow, stating “this model is meant for growth.”

• Chaia Will Bring Its Tempting Vegetarian Tacos to Mount Vernon Triangle [WCP]
• Eat Vegetarian Tacos Today at Chaia in Georgetown [EDC]