Santa Rosa Taqueria Makes a Triumphant Return to Capitol Hill | Eater DC

"After being closed for the entire pandemic, I was relieved to see Santa Rosa Taqueria resurface next door to its original spot at 301 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; run by Micheline and Catherine Mendelsohn and part of Sunnyside Restaurant Group, the revived Capitol Hill taco spot opens for lunch and dinner (daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.) with takeout and delivery via GrubHub and UberEats and plans for weekend brunch and weekday happy hours. The menu expands on shareable bites and new taco spins from consulting chef Brian Lacayo — the al pastor is shaved from a gyro stick wrapped in pineapple, the birria taco is made with cheesy pot roast and consommé, and there’s a roasted harissa cauliflower taco — plus new moles channeling historical recipes from Dominican nuns in the convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla and a pickled bar of massive jars to top tacos or nachos. Mixologist Gina Chersevani returned to create 10 unique margarita options (from guava mango to passionfruit and rose and a greenish-blue version made with Milagro silver tequila, lime, and dehydrated seaweed), and sangria is another new drink option. The new space doubles outdoor seating compared with the original and offers 60 seats inside and 60 outside with greenery, whimsical decor, an awning, turquoise Talavera tiles, and graffiti murals (butterflies and a Day of the Dead theme) by Rodrigo Pradel; proceeds from opening-weekend sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen for Ukraine relief. Note: the opening date was pushed to later this month due to equipment and electrical failures." - Adele Chapin