Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: El Tapatio

Reviewed by Cynthia Hacinli , Todd Kliman , Sara Levine , Ann Limpert , Erin Zimmer

El Tapatio

4309 Kenilworth Ave.
Bladensburg, MD
Phone: 301.403.8882

Cuisines:
Mexican, South American, Breakfast

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
West Hyattsville

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Best Dishes
Chiles rellenos; torta with beer-stewed beef; seafood and shrimp soups; chicken or pork soft tacos; mole enchiladas; huevos rancheros; chilaquiles; housemade tortillas.

Price Details:
Appetizers $2 to $2.50; entrées $10 to $13.


Taquerias

The house-made tortillas are the draw at this brightly lit Mexican cafe popular with workers far from home. In the classic hangover cure/breakfast called chilaquiles ($8.99), they’re torn and tossed with a fried egg and red or green chili sauce. Bundled around spicy bits of chorizo or pork carnitas with cilantro and onion, they make a spare, authentic taco ($2.55).

Other bargains are the tortas ($5.75), crusty sandwiches filled with braised pork, beer-cooked beef, or breaded chicken, then topped with beans and avocado. The tortillas are usually available to go—a package of six for $1.50.