An Old Auto Body Shop in Alexandria Gets New Life as a Taco Spot - Eater DC
"A once-sleepy Alexandria strip will get a dose of grungy-cool vibes this week with the arrival of a ‘90s hip-hop playing, taco-and-tequila slinging bar set inside a converted auto body shop. Chef and co-founder Ed McIntosh already has taco street cred, most recently manning a the roving Tortilladora across the area. The name refers to its 1,000-square-foot home’s former life as a garage, with lots of its original hardware making comeback appearances inside the industrial-style restaurant. A local artist painted a colorful 8-by-10 mural that reads “chop it up.” The original garage floor is still in place, resurfaced and shined for foot traffic purposes. Original sturdy doors were also repurposed and reused. Stainless steel plates ideal for outdoor camping resemble hubcaps and mirrors. Banquettes look like the front seat of a classic car, while dining room chairs feel like retro bucket seats. McIntosh plans to go “old school” with the music selection, blasting some of the 1990s hip-hop he grew up with in New York City." - Tierney Plumb
