![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_tacos.jpg)
Al pastor tacos with adobo-marinated pork belly, grilled pineapple, cilantro, onion, and salsa verde. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_drink.jpg)
The fresh tequila smash cocktail. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_fish.jpg)
Market fish Veracruzana with olives, capers, peppers, plantains, and a cheese-stuffed pepper. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_shortrib.jpg)
Smoked beef short ribs with citrus-achiote pibil sauce, refried black beans, and Mexican rice. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_110504-El-Centro-D.F.-Detail.jpg)
The walls downstairs are studded with clay masks made by Mexico City street vendors. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_basement.jpg)
The basement area has vaulted ceilings and wooden tables and feels like a cave. Photograph by Erik Uecke
![An Early Look at El Centro D.F.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/standard_110504-El-Centro-D.F.-Detail-02.jpg)
Tables in the upstairs dining room are decorated with clippings from old Mexican newspapers. Photograph by Erik Uecke