
5

"I learned that Bartaco — a beach-y Latin street-food chain inspired by coastal cultures in Southern California, Brazil, and Uruguay — has secured a space at 1025 Fifth Street NW in Mt. Vernon Triangle for its first D.C. location. It will join a diverse K Street NW restaurant row and expand a local presence that already includes Ballston, the Mosaic district in Fairfax, and Reston; the brand operates 21 locations across 11 states (largely along the East Coast) and was acquired in 2019 by L Catterton as part of the Del Frisco’s deal that included sister brand Barcelona Wine Bar. The menu features tacos with fillings such as Argentine chorizo, sesame soy ribeye, and chile-lime shrimp, brown rice bowls, and non-taco items like guacamole, gazpacho, fried plantains, and duck birria; a limited-time crispy soft-shell blue crab taco (dredged in buttermilk, coated in masa batter and served with a sweet charred corn pico and roasted poblano sauce) is offered through October 3. During the pandemic they pivoted to pouched cocktails and reheat-and-eat family packs for four, and drinks typically include fresh-squeezed juices, margaritas, and local canned beers." - Tierney Plumb