By The Gastronomes

In appreciation of Hispanic Heritage Month this September, we decided to return to Taqueria Poblano restaurant in Del Ray. We remember when it first opened in 1999 and became a hit along Mt. Vernon Avenue. It is still very popular today. We went on a Friday night and arrived about 5:30. They close between 3 and 5 so if you want your choice of seats, you get there early. The dining room was already half full and the patio out front was about half full as well. I think a lot of their regular customers live locally and walk to Mt. Vernon Avenue. We were lucky and found a parking spot a half block away on a side street. Even though the evening was pleasant, we went for a table inside the rather small dining room. Seriously, this place is quite small and is in demand on weekend nights. Fortunately, they turn the tables pretty fast and there was a waiting line when we departed.

Shortly after being seated and given a few minutes to survey the room, our waitress arrived with water and menus. We had grabbed a table for two against the wall in this small dining area. Shortly our server returned to take our orders. The first thing we ordered were two of their famous margaritas. In fact, they proclaim that they are a 6-time Washington Post Reader’s Choice winner for “The Best Margarita in D.C.” They even have a sign to prove it.

We admit that they are pretty tasty and worthy of ordering more than one but neither of us is sure about them being the absolute “best” we have experienced in our DMV travels.

The décor is very authentic and gives off a good vibe. It is very welcoming and kind of makes you feel like you are in a cantina in Old Mexico. All they need is a little mariachi music added to the mix.

Unlike many Mexican restaurants in the area, Taqueria’s menu is pretty succinct while at the same time offering something for everyone. Neither of us is fond of menus that have 4 pages and a choice of 10 different versions of margs. Maybe it’s our age and our mantra of late – “keep it simple stupid”. 🙂

For my dinner I ordered the Tres Enchiladas at $19.95. This entrée includes one beef, one chicken and one pork enchilada served with rice, refried beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. I thought I might have some to take home, but this dish was so good with the red chile sauce smothering the enchiladas, that I cleaned my plate. Have to admit, however, I probably would have been more comfortable if I had opted to take a portion of it home – it is a healthy amount of food. The rice and refried beans were what I expected, yet they still complimented the enchiladas and chile sauce.

The other half of the team here. I have been hooked on the Green Chile Pork Burrito since the first time I graced this place. If you are a chile verde lover, this very large burrito is right up your alley. The only downside is that it is served wrapped in wax paper and foil in a basket indicating that you are supposed to pick it up and eat it. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it is large. Not sure if you can tell exactly how big it is in the accompanying photo but the plate I put it on is a standard dinner plate. And it really isn’t very photogenic but apparently that doesn’t matter because it tastes great!! You have the option of ordering it “a mano” aka alone or “al arriba” aka topped with ranchero sauce, guac and crema. I always go the “a mano” route. Am guessing if you order it “al arriba” they serve it on a plate.

If you are looking for a fine wine list, this isn’t the place to go but there are a nice choice of margaritas and a decent choice of local craft beer and a few Mexican imports. I didn’t see any Mich Ultras on the menu. Back to the aforementioned wine lovers, they have, quote, Mexican Sangria, Red Wine and White Wine. Also on the adult beverage menu are a Michelada and Bloody Mary.

If you are looking for a good Mexican meal at a good price (in our estimation), give Taqueria Poblano a try and make a toast to our Hispanic friends who make this cuisine all possible.

Taqueria Poblano

2400 Mount Vernon Avenue

Alexandria

703-548-8226

Taqueriapoblano.com

Fun Fact: The name Taqueria Poblano helps to identify the food and concept. Taqueria indicates a Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos and other casual street food. Poblano refers to a mild chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cooking.