Mushroom taco at Chaia
Thursdays at the White House FreshFarm Market (810 Vermont Ave., NW) and Sundays at the Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market (20th St. and Massachusetts Ave., NW)
We think pretty much all the vegetarian tacos at this roving farmers market stand—soon to open as a Georgetown storefront—are worth the lines they draw, but this earthy mix of local ‘shrooms, feta, and salsa roja might just be our favorite.
Al pastor taco at Taqueria la Placita
5020 Edmonston Rd., Hyattsville
Many porcine pleasures await at this Hyattsville joint—pork leg and lips are other favorite fillings—but the two-ply tortillas laden with zesty al pastor-style pork, cilantro, and chopped onion are a good place to start.
Taco Bamba taco at Taco Bamba
2190 Pimmit Dr., Falls Church
Smoke is one of chef Victor Albisu’s favorite flavors, so he adds grilled guacamole to this crispy, luscious mix of skirt steak, chorizo, and chicharrones.
Shrimp taco at Taqueria el Poblano
2401 Columbia Pike, Arlington; 2503 N. Harrison St., Arlington; 2400 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
At this trio of Mexican hangouts, the star taco is a flour tortilla holding fat grilled shrimp, avocado dressing, and tangy, vinegary red onions.
Grilled-fish taco at Fish Taco
7945 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John
Chili-lime mayo, salty cotija cheese, and mango pico de gallo accent the hunks of fresh-off-the-grill fish (mahi mahi, when we last tried it) at this Cabin John taco shop.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
