Whether you like a crunchy shell or soft tortilla, it’s what’s inside that counts the most when it comes to tacos. Dig into traditional Mexican options like carne asada and carnitas, or fusion creations stuffed with everything from pork vindaloo to kimchi—often for less than $5 a pop—at these local taquerias.
Bartaco
Tackle your taco craving while doing good at this upscale street food chain. Order the frequently changing “secret” taco through the restaurant’s #givingtaco program and it will donate $1 to charity. The current special is the crispy shrimp, and donations will go to Love Light + Melody, an organization focused on vulnerable children, through July 23. Other menu options include warm lobster poached in lemon brown butter, sweet sesame-soy-marinated ribeye with spicy kimchi, and a falafel-esque taco with a chickpea fritter, tzatziki and sriracha. Balance those artisan choices with a traditional mojito or margarita. Bonus: Weekdays from 3-6 p.m. is “High Tide Hour,” when you can get a taco and spicy marg for $15.50. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
District Taco
What began as a food truck in Rosslyn in 2009 is now a chainlet with 17—soon to be 18—mid-Atlantic locations. Guests can build their own meals, starting with a base (taco, burrito or salad) and then adding any of six proteins or two vegan options, plus 15 toppings like grilled corn, veggies and black beans. Don’t feel like making that many decisions? Go with one of the eatery’s signature creations, such as the fan favorite breakfast taco filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese and meat; or fish tacos with pico de gallo, cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo. Dress up any item with house mild or spicy salsa. // 5723 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Yorktown); 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 1500 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn); 1334 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
El Rey
This Ballston outpost of Ian and Eric Hilton’s U Street taqueria salutes its D.C. roots with the DC taco, made with fried chicken strips, crispy potatoes and mambo sauce. Other menu standouts include the choriqueso—chorizo, mozzarella, salsa, jalapeños, onions and cilantro—and El Rey fries, which are slathered with queso blanco, pico, guac, cojita cheese and cilantro. Heading out to celebrate a special occasion? Ask for the piñata, which is filled with treats and prizes, and drink a toast with a Mangonada (frozen mango margarita) or Cherry Mule (Hornitos Plata tequila, cherry juice, mint leaves and ginger beer). // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
View this post on Instagram
La Tingeria
David Peña started this taqueria as a food truck in 2012 and later opened a storefront in Falls Church with art by local muralist MasPaz. Today, the little storefront is known for its must-try beef or goat birria. Other popular selections include tinga (chicken), carne asada and quesabirria, a beef taco folded into a tortilla with melted cheese and served with consommé for dipping. The menu also includes tostadas topped with shrimp, and sides such as elote (Mexican street corn) and rice and beans. // 626 S. Washington St., Falls Church
Taco Bamba
Victor Albisu’s rapidly expanding chain—a Best of Arlington 2024 winner—does traditional barbacoa and al pastor tacos like nobody’s business, but also keeps things interesting by offering signature tacos that are unique to each location. In Shirlington, you’ll find the Blackfeesh (a taco featuring tajin black tempura grouper), while Ballston is the only Bamba to serve up a creation called Slumdog Billionaire made with chipotle pork vindaloo. Whet your whistle with a craft cocktail such as the Shirlington Stinger (Beefeater gin, Pamplemousse liqueur, habanero honey and lemon juice) or Honeydew Punch (mezcal, Agricole rum, honeydew melon puree, ginger-fresno laurel syrup and lime). // 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church; 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Taco Zocalo
Barcroft Plaza has a new taqueria serving up authentic Mexican flavors. Chow down on chimichangas, quesadillas, burrito bowls and, of course, tacos, which can be stuffed with barbecue chicken or brisket, chorizo or veggies. Birria tacos with shredded beef are available only on Tuesdays and Sundays. Whenever you go, save room for sides of Mexican street corn, refried beans and chips with salsa or guac. This is Taco Zocalo’s fourth NoVa location, with a fifth coming soon to Sterling. // 6343 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
Part of the international food scene that is Columbia Pike, Arlington’s most diverse corridor, this taqueria now has a second location in Falls Church. Swing by for corn tortillas stuffed with beef birria, tilapia and avocado, or adobo-marinated chicken. (Alternately, you can have the same proteins in a burrito, quesadilla, alambre, open-faced huarache or torta). Got a late-night craving? The Columbia Pike eatery is open 24 hours. // 2911 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike); 8106 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
View this post on Instagram
Westover Taco
This six-month-old taqueria with an emphasis on classic Mexican fare pays homage to the space’s previous occupant—the Forest Inn—with a late-night, margarita-centric bar. The menu features 10 types of tacos, including the Al Pastor (roasted pork and pineapple salsa), Surf & Turf (carne asada and shrimp), plus a vegan option. Salads, burritos, and classic apps like guac and fried plantains round out the food options. In addition to beer and wine, the drink menu features four margaritas, including mango, two palomas and a vodka-based agua fresca for anyone not feeling like tequila. // 5849 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)