clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
El Rey
El Rey
Photo: R. Lopez

New Tacos to Try NOW (or on Cinco de Mayo)

View as Map
El Rey
| Photo: R. Lopez

Given the fact that Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, it seems an opportune time to update Eater's Taco Heat Map for spring. New places added to the map include Dupont's Mission, Virginia's Don Lencho, the Impala takeout window and yet another District Taco. There are also some new tacos to try from such places as Fish Taco and Taco Bamba. And we can't forget El Rey's epic bacon-shell creation (which will only be available Monday).
—Tim Ebner and Missy Frederick

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Agua 301

Copy Link

Looking for the heat? Then head to Agua 301 and try the kimchi taco. It comes served with carne, kimchi, cotija cheese and a citrus aioli sauce.

El Centro D.F.

Copy Link

For something a little less traditional, head to the Georgetown branch of El Centro DF. The Greek taco is their take on a souvlaki sandwich. It comes with grilled chicken, chipotle yogurt, cucumber and is served on a pita bread tortilla.

El Rey

Copy Link

El Rey is U Street’s newest taqueria and outdoor beer garden. And already, people are lining up (there’s a takeout window) to try Chef Jorge Pimentel’s tacos. Soft shell tortillas are made by hand, and there’s a gluten free variety. The carne asada with charred beef, radishes, cilantro, and onion is an early frontrunner. Meanwhile, on Cinco De Mayo, they'll be whipping up a five pork taco with a bacon shell.

Far East Taco Grille

Copy Link

Far East Taco Grille went from food truck to Capitol Hill restaurant this September. The restaurant concept is much the same as the food truck. First, pick a protein -- pork, chicken, steak, or tofu -- then dress it up with sauces and coleslaw.

Fish Taco

Copy Link

New additions to Fish Taco's spring menu include a carnitas taco and a barbacoa taco.

Impala Cantina y Taqueria

Copy Link

While they ready their brick and mortar location, Tacos Impala has been serving up tacos from their takeout window. Give the pork belly taco a try, and watch their twitter account (@ImpalaDC) for hours and offerings.

Taco Bamba

Copy Link

For an authentic Mexican taco, order the crispy tripe (small beef intestines) taco at Victor Albisu’s Taco Bamba. The restaurant also serves up interesting specials: a recent special combined the tripe with tongue meat.

TaKorean

Copy Link

The latest addition at TaKorean is a pulled pork taco that packs a spicy punch. That’s because the taco uses Ssamjang sauce, a spicy Korean chili pepper paste. It can be found at TaKorean’s Union Market stall or on any food truck stop.

Taqueria Nacional

Copy Link

Taqueria Nacional has a new bison tongue taco that apparently sells pretty fast. “By the end of the weekend, we’re usually all out,” says manger Dot Steck. The bison tongue comes from a farm in Virginia and usually arrives by Thursdays. They braise it, and serve it with cilantro, onions, and pico de gallo. Another taco special, the root vegetable taco, is vegetarian approved. It uses seasonal and organic beets, parsnips, carrots, and rutabaga.

Mission

Copy Link

Mission Taqueria is the latest project from the R&R taqueria team. Give the mahi mahi tacos a try.

Don Lencho

Copy Link

Don Lencho has an entire menu of tacos to choose from. The restaurant, from the Guajillo team, just opened in Manassas. Lamb and tongue can be found among the more "safe" fillings.

District Taco

Copy Link

District Taco just added a new location to its offerings — this one is in Dupont Circle. Give their breakfast taco a try.

Agua 301

Looking for the heat? Then head to Agua 301 and try the kimchi taco. It comes served with carne, kimchi, cotija cheese and a citrus aioli sauce.

El Centro D.F.

For something a little less traditional, head to the Georgetown branch of El Centro DF. The Greek taco is their take on a souvlaki sandwich. It comes with grilled chicken, chipotle yogurt, cucumber and is served on a pita bread tortilla.

El Rey

El Rey is U Street’s newest taqueria and outdoor beer garden. And already, people are lining up (there’s a takeout window) to try Chef Jorge Pimentel’s tacos. Soft shell tortillas are made by hand, and there’s a gluten free variety. The carne asada with charred beef, radishes, cilantro, and onion is an early frontrunner. Meanwhile, on Cinco De Mayo, they'll be whipping up a five pork taco with a bacon shell.

Far East Taco Grille

Far East Taco Grille went from food truck to Capitol Hill restaurant this September. The restaurant concept is much the same as the food truck. First, pick a protein -- pork, chicken, steak, or tofu -- then dress it up with sauces and coleslaw.

Fish Taco

New additions to Fish Taco's spring menu include a carnitas taco and a barbacoa taco.

Impala Cantina y Taqueria

While they ready their brick and mortar location, Tacos Impala has been serving up tacos from their takeout window. Give the pork belly taco a try, and watch their twitter account (@ImpalaDC) for hours and offerings.

Taco Bamba

For an authentic Mexican taco, order the crispy tripe (small beef intestines) taco at Victor Albisu’s Taco Bamba. The restaurant also serves up interesting specials: a recent special combined the tripe with tongue meat.

TaKorean

The latest addition at TaKorean is a pulled pork taco that packs a spicy punch. That’s because the taco uses Ssamjang sauce, a spicy Korean chili pepper paste. It can be found at TaKorean’s Union Market stall or on any food truck stop.

Taqueria Nacional

Taqueria Nacional has a new bison tongue taco that apparently sells pretty fast. “By the end of the weekend, we’re usually all out,” says manger Dot Steck. The bison tongue comes from a farm in Virginia and usually arrives by Thursdays. They braise it, and serve it with cilantro, onions, and pico de gallo. Another taco special, the root vegetable taco, is vegetarian approved. It uses seasonal and organic beets, parsnips, carrots, and rutabaga.

Mission

Mission Taqueria is the latest project from the R&R taqueria team. Give the mahi mahi tacos a try.

Don Lencho

Don Lencho has an entire menu of tacos to choose from. The restaurant, from the Guajillo team, just opened in Manassas. Lamb and tongue can be found among the more "safe" fillings.

District Taco

District Taco just added a new location to its offerings — this one is in Dupont Circle. Give their breakfast taco a try.

Related Maps