Anonymous wrote:San Francisco native, DC transplant here.

There is nowhere in the DMV that makes either decent Mission-style burritos or decent SW cuisine. The only place worth visiting for the food of our homeland is Taco Bamba, which makes tacos (and only tacos; they're very loud on that point) in interesting frontera styles.

Former 40 yr CA resident here... the answer is.. there isn't one, really. Taco Bamba is probably the best one we've tried around here, so far.


I cannot for the life of me understand why people like Chipotle.

Taco Bamba or Bandit Taco for tacos

Californian here. Can’t help you with Mexican BUT, I am partial to Republic Cantina Tex Mex.

Basically, I eat my weight in Mexican food when I go home and cook my own here. You can get good ingredients here.

I love cactus cantina just for the atmosphere and consistency

Texan here. I enjoy Cafe Lucas on Richmond Highway in Alexandria.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn’t lump TX in with the states that actually have Mexican food. Tex-mex is not Mexican food.

Bottom line, nothing with be the same or similar to what you get at home. So either learn to cook it yourself, or accept that the Mexican food will be different.

OP here. Yes, I know but depending on which state posters are from I have a baseline of what they’re used to eating.

I know how to cook but I can’t get the beans I’m used to here. I also want to go out and not cook but want something decent.

It's also impossible to get the good fresh varied produce that you're used to having at home. So even cooking for yourself fails to measure up to what you can get at home.

San Francisco native, DC transplant here.

There is nowhere in the DMV that makes either decent Mission-style burritos or decent SW cuisine. The only place worth visiting for the food of our homeland is Taco Bamba, which makes tacos (and only tacos; they're very loud on that point) in interesting frontera styles.

I’m from Arizona and nothing is like home. I didn’t realize that Sonoran tortillas were a geographically unique thing until recently but they really are the best. (UNESCO agrees….it’s a World Heritage culinary designation.). I order tamales from home. The best tortillas are the Costco make your own dough package.
I think fish taco’s carnitas are pretty good, and some of their other stuff.
I think uncle julios actually has really good retried beans and their fresh made flour tortillas are adequate. I am 90% happy with really good refried beans and a decent fresh tortilla. I’m always shocked how many places are recommended, but then can’t make decent beans.

Happy to hear other places. I think one real constraint is the lack of real tortillerias here in the area. At home, there are multiple companies that make fresh tortillas daily and deliver them to restaurants and grocery stores. It’s like bread in France. Stuff that’s a week or more old just doesn’t compare.

I’m from Texas and I don’t eat at Mexican restaurants anymore. I hate paying money for the low quality of food I get. Sorry OP!

I honestly don't know how you people live without good Mexican food.
-California Resident

Muchas Gracias, for sure.

I've looked and haven't found anything nearly comparable, sorry.

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn’t lump TX in with the states that actually have Mexican food. Tex-mex is not Mexican food.

Bottom line, nothing with be the same or similar to what you get at home. So either learn to cook it yourself, or accept that the Mexican food will be different.

OP here. Yes, I know but depending on which state posters are from I have a baseline of what they’re used to eating.

I know how to cook but I can’t get the beans I’m used to here. I also want to go out and not cook but want something decent.

You shouldn’t lump TX in with the states that actually have Mexican food. Tex-mex is not Mexican food.

Bottom line, nothing with be the same or similar to what you get at home. So either learn to cook it yourself, or accept that the Mexican food will be different.

Where do you go for good Mexican food in DC? TIA!