Searching for the best tacos in Washington DC this summer? Follow our Taco Tour 2025 to five brand-new and hidden-gem taquerías you need to try right now.
Moya – Shaw’s Ethiopian-Mexican Mash-Up
Chef Elias Taddesse’s latest venture fuses berbere and barbacoa under one roof, folding slow-stewed Ethiopian spices into classic street-taco formats. The 2108 8th St NW counter is slated to debut this summer, sharing space with Mélange and Doro Soul Food—so you can order a taco next to a legendary fried-chicken sambusa. Find out more about Moya from WhatNow.
Why go? Taddesse’s fine-dining chops promise unexpected pairings like tej-glazed carnitas and injera-fried fish tempura. Plan to visit at night for rotating mezcal-tej honey cocktails.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – Miami Heat in Foggy Bottom
The neon-lit airstream entrance, margaritas on draft, and late-night DJ sets make Bodega feel like South Beach teleported to 2100 Penn. Expect 90 percent taco classics—al pastor with pineapple, brisket birria—and crispy “dorados” at two-for-$7 during Taco Tuesday. Learn more from Eater DC.
Why go? It’s open until 2 a.m., making it the rare downtown spot for post-show birria and a cucumber-jalapeño marg under disco lights.
Talkin’ Tacos – Downtown’s Late-Night Crunch
Born as a Florida food truck, Talkin’ Tacos landed at 1800 M St NW with 2 a.m. hours, birria consommé cups, and over-stuffed churro ice-cream cones. The fast-growing chain touts locations from Miami to Manhattan—but the DC branch keeps things local with Hill Country brisket specials.
Why go? Quick counter service meets fiesta vibes—perfect for a pre-Uber snack after a K Street happy hour.
Taqueria Xochi – Navy Yard’s New Birria Beacon
Beloved for tongue-dripping quesabirria on U Street, Taqueria Xochi opens a 2,500-sq-ft flagship at 300 Tingey St SE this summer, complete with a 47-seat patio and midnight hours on weekends. Expect the same consommé-dunked tacos plus Oaxaca-sized tlayudas built for Nats-game crowds.
Why go? Sip a frozen horchata colada, then stroll to the Anacostia Riverwalk—tacos in hand—for sunset views.
La Tejana – Breakfast-Taco Bliss in Mount Pleasant
Tex-pats line up at dawn for La Tejana’s Rio Grande-style breakfast tacos—house-cured chorizo, 2Fifty BBQ brisket, and oozy queso wrapped in fresh flour tortillas at 3211 Mt Pleasant St NW. Washingtonian calls them “worth lining up for,” and the new evening cocktail bar means margaritas meet migas till 10 p.m.
Why go? It’s DC’s only dedicated breakfast-taco bar—grab a foil-wrapped bundle, then explore historic Mount Pleasant.
How to Tackle Your Taco Tour
↦ Start early with La Tejana’s 7:30 a.m. service.
↦ Metro hop from Shaw (Moya) to Foggy Bottom (Bodega) for lunch.
↦ Bike the Riverwalk to Taqueria Xochi pre-game.
↦ Finish Downtown at Talkin’ Tacos for a midnight snack.
Enjoy the flavor, the heat, the fusion and the city’s most exciting taco summer yet!
