Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Taqueria del Barrio Reservations Now Open, New Hours


From our friends at Taqueria del Barrio...

Taqueria del Barrio Opens Thursday, March 30

Guests can expect 14 types of tacos, premium margaritas at neighborhood Mexican eatery

Taqueria del Barrio (821 Upshur Street, NW; (202) 723-0200), an authentic Mexican taqueria, will open its doors on Thursday, March 30 serving house-made regional Mexican dishes and drinks in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest. Diners can choose from 14 types of tacos served on tortillas made-in-house, three specialty ‘torta’ sandwiches, and additional traditional Mexican foods, served in a modern, casual dining room and bar.

Taqueria del Barrio’s menu was developed by Chef and Owner Anna Bran-Leis and General Manager Mikey Torres, and is centered around $3 tacos in classic styles like carne asada, pescado, and al pastor varieties served alongside less-familiar options like nopales - grilled cactus paddle served with melted Oaxacan cheese. Appetizers include elote with a chili-lime aioli and cotija cheese, and beef albondigas cooked in a smoky chipotle salsa. EntrĂ©es range from $12 to $15 and include traditional Mexican dishes like chile relleno - poblano peppers stuffed with barbacoa, tomatoes, onions, and queso freso; and mole con pollo with made-from-scratch mole, blended with nuts, chiles, and a subtle hint of chocolate. While Taqueria del Barrio is opening with a dinner menu, unique lunch and brunch menus are expected to roll out in the coming months.


Taqueria del Barrio is the first brick-and-mortar concept for husband-and-wife owners Anna and Shawn Leis who also operate the popular DC Empanadas concept in Union Market. Fans of the empanadas are in luck - the couple plan to offer a rotating empanada of the day at Taqueria del Barrio as well.

“After our experience in DC’s food scene with a food truck, catering, pop-ups and more, we’re thrilled to finally open our first brick-and-mortar in Petworth,” says chef-owner Anna Bran-Leis, who also notes the immense culinary diversity and talent along Upshur Street. “Our vision for our restaurant is to become this neighborhood’s go-to taqueria and to truly create a sense of welcome for our new community, and existing customers.”

Taqueria del Barrio’s bar program under Beverage Director Chris Martino will feature artful signature cocktails like the margarita del barrio with El Silencio mezcal, caramelized pineapple, and house-made habanero turmeric syrup. The draft beer system will rotate seasonally with an additional limited selection of bottled domestic and imported labels. A select wine list, curated by Wines by Raz, features Spanish varietal wines from the new and old world available by the glass and bottle alongside a hand-selected short list of featured Champagnes.

Taqueria del Barrio seats 92 guests in a 2,200 square-foot space designed to evoke the taquerias of Mexico City. The Leis’ favorite touches include a floor to ceiling mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and playful, blended textiles throughout the interior design, which features a weathered steel bar, suspended rope lighting, and reclaimed wood under a large, bright skylight. Guests can also look forward to a 16-seat patio come summer 2017.

Seating will be available exclusively on a first come, first-served basis beginning Thursday, March 30. Visit Taqueria del Barrio online at www.taqueriadelbarrio.com, and follow Taqueria del Barrio on Facebook at Facebook.com/TaqueriadelBarrio, on Twitter at @DelBarrioDC, and on Instagram at @delbarriodc.

About Taqueria del Barrio:
Taqueria del Barrio is a neighborhood taqueria in the heart of Washington’s Petworth community, serving authentic Mexican food made with locally sourced ingredients. A focused bar program, featuring artfully crafted signature drinks, classic cocktails, craft beers, and wines complements the modern dishes and rustic, no-fuss atmosphere. Contact Taqueria del Barrio online at www.taqueriadelbarrio.com or by calling (202) 723-0200.