One of Adams Morgan’s oldest restaurants may close after 40 years. Mixtec owner Pepe Montesinos tells us he’s unsure of the restaurant’s future.
“We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen,” says Montesinos. “The whole neighborhood has changed.”
Originally the space operated as a grocery store, with Montesinos selling soft tacos over the counter. He added the sit-down cafe after customers began filling the store. The spot still draws devoted eaters for daily breakfast, generous tortas, and fresh tamales. Montesinos says his was one of the first taquerias in Washington, and cites the growing taco trend among the factors affecting his business, as well as customers being drawn away to newer 14th Street eateries.
“Remaining 40 years in business is very, very difficult,” says Montesinos. “We’ve reached the pinnacle. We can’t do much better.”
The fate of neighboring Adams Morgan institution Pasta Mia is also unclear. After nearly closing this year, the restaurant has extended its lease until at least 2015. If you’re a fan of either spot, now is the time to show your support.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
