Taqueria Habanero

"At Taqueria Habanero, you’ll find kids swinging off chipped wooden chairs while their parents unwind over sopping birria tacos, and lone diners savor sizzling shrimp fajitas at the bar. For the ultimate experience, come here midday. It’s not as busy, the service is fast, and your tender beef brisket flautas will be served piping hot. And to seal the deal, never leave without an order of the churros. Double up if you're sharing, so you’re not fighting over the last one." - omnia saed

"This Columbia Heights restaurant has some of the best Mexican food in the city, which is why you’ll find people from all corners of DC filling the space. Families relax with kids swinging off chipped wooden chairs, solo diners savor sizzling shrimp fajitas at the bar, and friends reunite over free chips and salsa, gearing up for the grand slam: tender beef brisket flautas. Seal the deal with an order of churros (and double up if you're sharing). For the ultimate experience, come here midday. It’s not as busy, and the service is fast. " - omnia saed

"Over its first seven years, Taqueria Habanero has built up a loyal base of regulars willing to queue up on 14th Street NW for a table. The family-owned operation by chef couple Dio Montero and Mirna Alvarado offers up a taste of street food from the Montero’s native Puebla. Served on perfectly crisp corn tortillas, the shrimp and fish tacos in particular are fresh, flavorful, and filling, striking just the right balance between savory and zesty. Enchiladas verdes and chilaquiles (green or red) are spot on, too. There’s a sister location that caters to University of Maryland students in College Park (and recently relocated nearby). Closer to the original, the owners’ Tequila y Mezcal bar on 14th Street NW offers plenty of cocktails made with agave spirits and a pan-regional food menu. Another Taqueria Habanero opened in Northeast’s new Bryant Street Market last year." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"This festive Petworth eatery is a casual and cool destination inspired by cuisine from Puebla, Mexico. Its native Mexican owners serve hits like tinga poblana (shredded chicken and sausage) and tilapia-filled tacos. An additional D.C. location debuted across town last year in Northeast’s food hall Bryant Street Market." - Tierney Plumb, Adele Chapin

"A Mexican food guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning Taqueria Habanero. The Columbia Heights restaurant delivers some of the best Mexican food in the city, which is why you’ll find people from all corners of DC filling the space. Families relax with kids swinging off chipped wooden chairs, lone diners savor sizzling shrimp fajitas at the bar, and friends reunite over free chips and salsa, gearing up for the grand slam—tender beef brisket flautas. For the ultimate experience, come here midday. It’s not as busy, the service is fast, and the food is served piping hot. And to seal the deal, never leave without an order of the churros. Double up if you're sharing, so you’re not fighting over the last one." - Omnia Saed