An NYC-Based Restaurant That Sells Barbecue Tacos Will Land on 14th Street

Mexicue, a former New York City food truck that’s grown into a mini-chain around the city, plans to bring Mexican-American mash-ups like pulled pork tacos or jambalaya brimming with chorizo and guajillo chiles to the bustling restaurant scene on 14th Street NW.

Washington City Paper reports that Mexicue expects to replace the Meatball Shop, a fellow casual New York import that couldn’t survive a full year at 1720 14th Street NW, by the end of October. Mexicue’s website already lists the D.C. location as “coming soon.” After its recent closing, a Meatball Shop spokesperson told Eater it might return to the city “under better circumstances.”

Mexicue started as a food truck in 2010 and grew into a dedicated restaurant space shortly thereafter. The company got a hefty investment from Ruby Tuesday founder Sandy Beall in 2014 and now has five shops (four in New York; one in Stamford, Connecticut).

The company hangs its hat on tacos and tequila, advertising food that blends Mexican traditions with flavors from the American South. In addition to brisket, pork, and chicken tacos, the menu shows off tortillas stuffed with charred cauliflower, lobster, or a veggie-based substitute for ground meat. There are also salad and rice bowls, tostadas, romaine lettuce boats, and over-stuffed quesadillas dubbed “quesarritos.” A brunch menu includes huevos rancheros and cornbread French toast.

Fast-rising rents on 14th Street NW have recently led to a flurry of closings including Masa 14, Policy, and Drafting Table. Mexicue will have plenty of taco competition nearby with Michael Schlow’s Tico, Ann Cashion’s Taqueria Nacional, and Richard Sandoval’s El Centro D.F. all on the same strip.

• The Meatball Shop Will Be Replaced By Mexicue, Also a New York City Import [WCP]
• NYC Import the Meatball Shop Closes in D.C. After Less Than a Year [EDC]
• Third Closing Announcement in a Week Displays Dramatic Changes on 14th Street [EDC]
• Thomas Kelly and David Schillace on One Year of Mexicue [ENY]
• Mexicue Team Ditches Trucks, Plans Major Expansion [ENY]