In Arlington, every day can be taco Tuesday! With a variety of international cuisine available at every turn, it’s no surprise that Arlington has some of the best tacos in the capital region. Check out this list of restaurants and get your taco fix on your next visit to Arlington!
Located in Ballston Quarter, bartaco combines upscale street food with a coastal vibe and relaxed environment. Their menu offers everything from fish tacos to sesame ribeye, roasted duck and even vegetarian options such as mushroom with queso fresco and falafel tacos. Although tacos are the star of the show, bartaco’s menu also features colorful cocktails, shareable side dishes and tasty desserts.
Who doesn't love tacos and margaritas? El Rey in Ballston Exchange features a colorful environment and incredible lunch, happy hour and brunch menus. Whether you're in the mood for quesadillas, burritos or tacos, El Rey has you covered. Take your pick from Al Pastor, Pollo, Chorizo, Carnitas, Mushroom, or Carne Asada tacos and enjoy great flavors in a fun atmosphere!
This regional chain headed by award-winning chef Victor Albisu serves traditional Mexican street food and classic dishes with a twist. With various locations throughout D.C, Maryland and Virginia, Taco Bamba has become a staple of the area. Stop by their Ballston location to try their extensive selection of tacos; with everything from traditional carne asada or barbacoa tacos, to their fusion tacos such as El Diablo and Arabe, there’s something on the menu for every kind of taco lover.
Mexicali Blues has been serving Arlington since its opening in 1998. This Mexican eatery features homemade authentic entrees prepared with the freshest ingredients each day. Among their various traditional Mexican dishes, their menu also features a great variety of tacos including seafood and vegetarian options.
Inspired by a classic cantina look, Don Tito embraces Mexican tradition eaten with an American twist. With a newly revamped taco menu, Don Tito offers taco lovers many options including veggie, chicken, beef, pork and seafood tacos. Pair your taco picks with any of their delicious cocktails and you're in for a fantastic dining experience.
Tortas y Tacos La Chiquita is a local favorite counter-serve joint offering some of the most authentic Mexican street food you'll find in Arlington. Their menu features classic dishes including tortas, flautas, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas and of course, tacos. Some of their most popular tacos include their signature Lengua (tongue) tacos and their Crispy Cheesy Birria tacos.
Other taco spots on Columbia Pike:
Ñoños Taqueria, Taqueria La Ceibita
Established in 2009, District Taco started as a food cart in Rosslyn and has since developed into one of the most beloved taco chains in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. This eatery combines Mexican and American food elements to create the perfect cultural fusion, inspired by founder Osiris Hoil's experience as a Mexican immigrant in the United States. District Taco's menu features various of meats and toppings, perfect for building tacos your own way.
Known for their award-winning Margaritas, Taqueria El Poblano is a California-style Mexican restaurant established in 1997. With two locations in Virginia, this local favorite delivers fare made from fresh local ingredients, inspired by regional Mexican and L.A.-style cuisine. Their menu offers both Tacos Al Carbon (charcoal-grilled, served with flour tortillas, rajas poblano, pico de gallo and rice) as well as classic crispy tacos, fish tacos, duck carnitas and more.
This bright and colorful taco joint brings a piece of Mexico to Arlington! Originating from the state of Yucatan, Mexico Tacombi opened its Crystal City location in late 2021 and has since been a foodie favorite in the area. Their menu is straightforward and features Mexican classics such as tacos, tortas, quesadillas, agua fresca, beer and great cocktails. Their tacos range from the staples of Al Pastor, Carnitas, and Carne Asada to the less traditional (but just as delicious) Black Bean & Sweet Potato and Seared Fish A La Plancha.
A Pentagon City newcomer, Banditos Tacos & Tequila is a self-described "taco temple" inspired by the mouthwatering flavors of Mexican street food. There's something for everyone in their extensive taco menu including traditional tacos such as Chicken Tinga and Barbacoa, as well as those featuring more adventurous flavors such as their Nashville Hot and Cheeseburger tacos. Pair your taco of choice with any of their creative cocktails and you're in for an unforgettable meal!
This cantina-style Rosslyn restaurant serves Mexican favorites with friendly service and an inviting atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner Guajillo has you covered with a variety of dishes featuring the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Their taco menu includes Carnitas, Chicken, Al Pastor and more. While their approach is traditional and simple, their tacos still pack a punch.
Rocking flavors, great specials, and almost any kind of taco you can think of, what's not to love about Taco Rock? This fun rock n' roll-inspired Virginia chain is a taco lover's dream offering everything from classic tacos, to veggie lovers and their own spin with specialty tacos such as their Colonel Sanders (fried chicken), Ahi Tuna, and Chili Belly (spiced pork belly) tacos.
This modern yet authentic Shirlington eatery is an ode to Mexico and one of the most unique spots to grab some tacos in Arlington. Taco + Piña's owner and Chef Graham Bartlett was inspired by his travels as a child to Mexico to open an innovative taqueria, serving fresh food in an approachable and fun environment. Try their signature Piña + Taco, complete with their orange Fanta pork carnitas, dragons breath habanero, pineapple and pickled onion. With a variety of tacos, nachos, enchiladas and more, there's something for every appetite at Taco + Piña.
Header photo by Danny Kim.
Author: Paola Fernandez
