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I did the pick two taco deal with chicken. Tacos were good and the sauce was flavorful without being too spicy. Most taco options are vegetarian or vegan. They only have tablet ordering and you pick up the order at the counter.
The kale salad is delicious! The service was excellent and quick. We had a little sit down at the couches while we waited for our to go lunch and it was comfortable and convenient. Will definitely try more items from the menu.
The tacos were good but a little small for the price. We got the seasonal sample taco platter and especially enjoyed the kale and the squash seasonal tacos. Conveniently location right by the convention center. The server was nice and helpful identifying which tacos were vegan vs vegetarian.
The restaurant was clean and the staff were friendly. The restrooms were also clean. My mom and I both had tacos. We both had amthe braised mushroom taco and I also had the scrambled egg and black bean taco. They were both delicious! I also had the green rice and it was fantastic. It was great for my mom who is vegan. I'm not vegan nor a vegetarian but it was still a great experience.
Absolutely delightful spot!! Whether you're gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or none of the above, Chaia is a must-try! They have the most delightful tacos, with the most flavorful and fun combos of veggies. I usually opt for a taco trio, but, from there, the decision-making starts to get a bit challenging -- they have such a fun assortment of tacos, so it's nearly impossible to settle on just three! - Their creamy kale and potato is a classic for a reason, with a great richness from the cream / pepper jack and heartiness from the potato. They also top the taco with a bit of salsa verde and pickled onions, the perfect little vinegary / peppery bite to cut through the rest of the taco. - The braised mushroom and smoky collard green tacos are equally delicious, and they definitely pack a deep earthy, umami and smoky flavor. They're extremely mushroom / collard green-forward, so I'd only recommend these if you're a huge fan of either vegetable. They're both a bit on the lighter side, so they're the perfect way to balance out a heartier taco like the creamy kale and potato or sweet potato hash. - Chaia's sweet potato hash has to be one of my favorite tacos; not only are the sweet potatoes perfectly cooked, with a nice, soft interior and crispy outer shell, but they have a great smokiness from the chipotle peppers that balance out the slight zing from the feta and arugula pepita salsa. Similarly, the roasted butternut squash taco is incredible, with a great hearty yet somehow light-ish base from the squash and layers of flavor from the goat cheese, caramelized onions, chipotle yogurt, and mint. - If pure veggies aren't your thing or if you're looking for a bit more protein, the scrambled egg and black bean taco is calling your name! It's a wonderful taco, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and has a wonderful creaminess from the queso fresco, freshness from the cilantro and salsa, and tiny hit of heat from the jalapeno. I usually need to get at least one of these guys in my trio to create a balanced meal, but it absolutely deserves to be a go-to
I've been here before for a Yelp event quite some time ago now, but haven't been back. Clocking in some steps on my lunch break, I ran into Chaia. I'm so glad to see this business is still here and thriving. At the time, DC seemed a bit inundated with tacos after the cupcake craze... But guess who's here for tacos and plant based options now? Who always thinks it's tacomagarita o'clock? *Raises hand* Everything was a great combination of flavors and textures. The coconut based drink I had was tasty. I can't recall each taco name, but just know that I chose options with my fingers crossed and my taste buds were elated. I'll be returning soon!
CHINATOWN, Washington DC - A swell fast-casual vegetarian taco joint. The missus and I went there on a Saturday, 1245ish. Some customers, but plenty of available seating. Very clean and bright. I got the sweet potato nachos ($9.75) and the mushroom quesadilla ($5.95). Pretty good nachos, with cubes of roasted sweet potato as a topping. The mushroom quesadilla was simple but done well. Would definitely get the nachos again. She got the taco trio ($13.45) of a kale & potato taco, braised mushroom taco and acorn squash taco. All three were interesting flavor and texture and color combinations, and all three were tasty. The tortilla held up well. Pro tip: little cups of water are free if you don't want a drink. As greens, we like that they compost. Would definitely partake again.
Yummy vegetarian food! What you order is what you get (complimentary). Reasonably priced and food atmosphere. Fun to try a variety of tacos on the first visit, but be careful with the eggplant one if texture bothers you!
Super healthy vegan/vegetarian/GF optional taco spot that did not disappoint! The ingredients were fresh and delicious! The black beans were hands down the BEST that I've ever had in my life! I wish I could buy them by the pint! So good! My braised Mushroom taco had a little heat which complimented it perfectly. The scrambled egg & black bean taco was just as tasty! The chips and salsa was good. Had a kick there, too. I ended up getting the combo with two tacos and a side of chips and salsa, which was more than enough. I did get the hibiscus tea and it was refreshing! Prices were a bit on the higher end but it is a healthier spot, too. If you want fresh, quality ingredients these days, you kind of expect it. This, Im not complaining at all and will definitely be returning soon. The creamed potatoes looked divine. That will be on my return list for sure! The customer service was great. They were friendly and helpful. There is an ample amount of sitting inside and even a couple of cute couches to lounge on. They have a few adult beverages, too. I can see those couches being beneficial for that alone. Haha.
Happy to see another location easier to access via metro vs going all the way to Georgetown. This is a larger location with more sit down space. Order at the kiosk and your name will be called when the order is ready. The $4.95 tacos are tiny. I see why people do 3 to feel full. Good vegetarian taco but wish they had some bean or tofu options. Also, no one by the kiosk if you have a question about ordering or food substitutes. They have restrooms.
The food is so delicious! I am so happy to see plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. The service was smooth, quick, and easy. I got all three tacos adapted for vegan and they used vegan cheese as well! And the eatery has a nice, relaxing vibe, it is a wonderful spot to catch up with friends in a quiet, relaxing environment. I hope to be back again soon!
While walking to get coffee from Killer ESP, I noticed this new taco spot and decided to check it out for lunch later. When I came back around noon, there was a line and it took about 8 mins to get my order in, and another 5 mins for the food to be ready which was awesome. The place has plenty of seating but I opted for takeout which ended up being the trio (creamy kale and potatoes, braised mushroom, and roasted butternut squash) with a chocolate tortita and chocolate bar on the side. The tacos were excellent and pretty filling, with my favorites being the mushroom and butternut squash. Each taco tasted extremely unique and best part is that none were super oily. This is the second time I've tried tacos with no meat (first being fried avocado tacos at El Techo) and I can definitely see my self getting them again. The chocolate tortita was definitely not worth the price tag for me. It tasted pretty generic and was pretty small. The chocolate bar (73% dark chocolate) however was actually pretty good and it's made by Chocotenango. Get the tacos but skip the chocolate tortita unless your sweet tooth can't be contained. read more
4 years ago
Had the sweet potato tacos, braised mushroom tacos, and creamy kale and potato tacos. All were delicious but my favorite was the creamy kale and potato!! Great flavors and very filling. Also got the margarita which was very tasty and strong. Easy ordering system, a nice casual place with good ambiance. read more
Business owner information
Juan D.
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed our food and margaritas. See…
7 years ago
Business owner information
Bettina S.
Priscilla,…
3 years ago
5 years ago
I loooove this place! I'm not a vegetarian but I am gluten free and appreciate that their entire menu is GF! I order the same thing every week: 1 chipotle sweet potato taco, 1 cheese quesadilla and 1 side of green rice. The quesadilla is unbelievable for such a simple item -- amazing, homemade tortillas with the perfect mild cheese and a side of salsa verde, YUM! The rice is also so good for being so simple, the pesto makes it a little creamy and then the feta, pepitas and chili flakes add the perfect bits of flair and crunch. 10/10. read more
6 years ago
The difference between vegetarian and great vegetarian for me is my level of happiness when I'm eating it. Chaia bings it! I'm so incredibly happy with my tacos. Fabulous! Mushroom, streeet corn, and crunchy green bean tacos ... perfect amount of sauce and herbs. Each compliments the others. Oh, the mezcal pineapple margherita is also a must!! read more
3 years ago
Business owner information
Juan D.
Thank you so much!!! So glad you enjoyed our food. We hope to see you…
Chaia in Chinatown? The best thing ever! I heart how Chaia does a creative spin on tacos. This is not your average corn tortilla folded around any filling. And I dare meat lovers to give them a try. They're packed with vegetables, roots, garnishes, and spices that tastes so good and so good for your body. $12 is pricey for three tacos. But every bite is worth every penny for the quality of the ingredients. They're great for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, and people like me, who just like simple and good food. I've tried every taco selection at their Georgetown location and my favorites are the braised mushroom and skillet sweet corn. Honestly, everything is good and it's really what you're in the mood for. The interior is so vibrant, green and family friendly. Service is so friendly. Thanks for coming to Chinatown! read more
4 years ago
Really tasty, convenient and healthy! Really love chaia tacos and the chill ambiance of the restaurant. read more
7 years ago
6 years ago
Best vegan option and Mexican fusion at that in and around the Washington DC area. Their menu is 100% vegan and they serve cocktails with some other alcohol options. Their menu has good taco, enchilada and quesadilla options primarily. I tried their taco trio which gives an option to choose three different taco types that they serve on menu on one platter. They give a green spicy sauce on the side which is amazing and spicyy! You will love it if you are a pepper based spice lover like me. Overall clean, they take the order from the screen at the entrance with their app. From ordering until you pick the order up, there is no contact with the employees involved which is good. They have limited dine in tables and pick up options. Give them a try when you all visit this part of the world. read more
Veggie. Tacos. Winning. I'm a frequent visitor at their Georgetown location (which was apparently an Obama family favorite) and found this new one in penn quarter far more spacious with lots of seating and great natural light! Steps away from convention center if you're there and looking for a quick lunch. My favorite tacos right now are Kale, mushroom, and butternut squash. My husband tried their soup (good but a bit bland) and the quesadilla (he loved it). read more
Can't believe I found a VEGETARIAN taco place that I love. Chaia tacos is one of my favorite "fast casual" like place in DC. I first tried their Georgetown location (great place!!), but their Chinatown location is much bigger and easier to get to for me. My favorite taco is their kale and potato--so creamy and delicious you almost think you can become a vegetarian. Their seasonal flavors that i've tried never really disappoint either. As for their drinks, I am a huuuuge fan of their hibiscus tea. I have a friend out of town that would travel all the way to DC for Chaia's hibiscus tea. I also looove their sangria. Definitely check out my fave taco joint in dc!!! read more
5 years ago
Visited Chaia Tacos while traveling for work. Super cute location, incredible decor, super nice staff. Love how everything is vegan or vegetarian and super inventive and fun. There's plenty of options for anyone including yummy side dishes and Kombucha on top (hello hipster!) Sat outside and it was absolutely glorious outside. A huge queue formed after I had ordered, which I assume was a workday lunch hour rush. The only reason why Chaia doesn't get 5 stars is because (while I absolutely loved the concept and what they were doing), I didn't LOVE any of my tacos - I really liked the mushroom one and found the carrot one to be a bit bizarre and the potato was okay but kind of weird as a taco. Maybe I'm just picky but I wanted more Mexican flavors and perhaps that's just something you have to adjust to. I'd definitely be back to try again someday! read more
I stopped by for happy hour and I really enjoyed the food and cocktails. It's a vegetarian establishment and the food and drinks are excellent. I got the charred poblano mojito and a creamy kale & potato taco. The corn tortilla taco was creamy and rich and had scalloped potatoes. The mojito was tangy with a spicy kick. I would definitely recommend Chaia Tacos, if you're in the mood for vegetarian food and great drinks. As a bonus, it's also an eco-friendly establishment, with the food served in reusable containers. read more
4 years ago
Delicious veggie tacos in beautiful airy space - highly recommend anything with mushrooms and the kombucha is delish read more
Business owner information
Juan D.
Thanks Elizabeth M. for the kind review. Can't wait to see you again!
Okay I need to start this review off by letting y'all know I am an omnivore through and through, and I also live for gluten. But I'd seen Chaia on Instagram so many times that I just *had* to try it out, and as luck would have it, my best friend is a vegetarian. These may actually be the best tacos I've ever had, and that includes the carnitas from the local taqueria down the street. Every single part was delicious, from the extra thin handmade corn tortillas, to the high quality ingredients, to the AWESOME sauces. I honestly can't get Chaia out of my head and can't wait to go back. I ordered: Braised Mushroom taco Creamy Kale and Potato taco Green rice Cherry hibiscus paleta It is stupid how amazing that creamy kale and potato taco is. I literally ordered another to go even though I was stuffed to the gills. I split the green rice with my friend, and she ordered the black beans to split with me - both are AWESOME. The green rice is an absolute must!!! And I dream about that paleta, I really do. Excellent balance of fresh cherry flavor to hibiscus, so it was very slightly floral without hitting you over the head. I had a great chat with the manager after our meal and enjoyed getting to know the restaurant and its mission as well. All in all, this is an absolute gem in the district. read more
I love chaia and this newer location is even better because MORE SEATING! The mushroom and kale tacos are my go to and favorites. The squash is also really good but a BIT spicy. Try the hibiscus tea is refreshing and a bit sweet. read more
I suppose it's a good thing I no longer live in the MVS neighborhood, because if I did, I'd be spending alllllll my money at the newly-opened (and oh-so gorgeous) Chaia on I Street. I came into Chaia with pretty high expectations (see: all the 5 star Yelp reviews) and they were handily met. At about 1 pm on a weekday, there was still a lot of lunch crowd but the staff moved efficiently and with beaming smiles (seriously, everyone working here was smiling). While I pretty much wanted to order the entire menu, I thought I should just stick to a taco trio ($12). I narrowed down my choices to the Roasted Butternut Squash (with goat cheese, caramelized onions, chipotle yogurt, and fresh torn mint), Creamy Kale and Potato (with pepperjack, poblano crema, tomatillo salsla, and pickled red onion), and the Citrus-Roasted Beet (with ricotta salata, cilantro-lime yogurt, and fresh jalapeno). Also, since I hadn't consumed any caffeine yet, I ordered the hot spiced cafe au lait (with oat milk, lavender, cinnamon, and cardamom). Tacos: All were delicious and I devoured them, but the beet taco was my favorite by far. I love beets, but it can be hard to get them perfect. There was no trace of the heavy-earthy taste they so famously carry, and the taco was just filled to the brim with these tender purple beauties. The kale and potato taco was also excellent - the addition of the pickled red onion helped to provide a necessary tangy contrast to the creaminess of everything else. I enjoyed the butternut squash taco, but lack of contrast with textures made it inferior to the other two. While still very tasty, it felt just too mushy for me. The tacos themselves are handmade each day; you can see a woman working behind the counter shaping each one. The flavors change with the seasons, so don't be surprised if you visit in July and the taco fillings are drastically different than the hearty February offerings. The oat milk spiced cafe au lait was good, but I didn't get as much flavor from the spices (particularly lavender - it seemed completely lacking) as I had hoped. Vigilante nitro cold brew and hot brew are also available, as are various teas and kombucha. If you're looking for an adult beverage, they have wines, margaritas, ciders, and fruity cocktails. The sweets menu is limited but tempting. Perhaps next time I'll save room for the chocolate tortita (made with local DC chocolate - Harper Macaw!). Another 5 star reason to visit Chaia beyond just having delicious food and being a local business is that it is woman-owned and they are truly committed to sustainability. A win-win! read more
This was my first time eating at this location near Chinatown as I've only been to the Georgetown location before. Everything here is gluten-free (they use corn tortillas) and delicious! My absolute favorite taco is the creamy kale and potato... SO GOOD. I'm usually not one to rave about vegan/vegetarian places but Chaia is the exception! Prices are in the typical "trendy fast casual healthy food" range. read more
5 years ago
I was so excited to find a restaurant that had vegan tacos. I have been craving them for a while now, but this is the first time that I stumbled across a place that served vegan tacos. My feelings are mixed. The vegan enchilada was delicious, especially the rice that came with it. Just wow! The vegan tacos however, completely missed the mark. It was straight up gross. No seasoning and just flavorless. I was disgusted and disappointed. I would give the meal two and a half stars because half was amazing half was horrid. But I'm rounding it up to three because I'm happy theres a vegan taco option... read more
7 years ago
Who knew that vegetarian tacos were the perfect cure to a cold winter day? After the recent shout-out by the Washington Post, we popped in for a late weekend lunch. Three tacos for $12 with about five different to chose from. I opted for three different ones and each just about knocked my socks off. Sweet roasted butternut paired with creamy goat cheese was my favorite, nicely pairing sweet and salty flavors. The braised mushroom was packed with large, meaty buttons. The creamy kale and potato was very easily eclipsed by fantastic pickled onions that took me instantly to a summer picnic (more please!). The portions were good, but don't expect to leave stuffed (that is not a bad thing). The dining room is bright and inviting and the staff are very pleasant. read more
Ate here with spouse before a Washington Ballet performance at Harmon Hall. We had read about this place and were excited because we are non-meat eaters, so the idea of healthy vegetarian tacos sounded great. Location is terrific, not far from Capital One arena, Harmon Hall, and all the other attractions downtown. Attractive place, lovely airy atmosphere. Comfy seating. Easy ordering, fast turnaround for food prep. Good beverage selection including beer on tap. Lovely counter person offered her personal recommendations on which tacos for me as a first-timer. So far so good. We each got three tacos: both of us got Sauteed Asparagus and Spring Garlic tacos and Braised Mushroom tacos, which were good. Spouse got Smoky Collard Greens taco, which was not good, and I got Creamy Kale and Potato taco which was ok. The tortillas were delicious, and everything was fresh and tasty. Even though both of us loved the location, service, atmosphere, and concept, neither of us felt the food was that great. Even the two tacos that we liked (Asparagus and Mushroom), although good, did not have us singing like a mariachi band. Spouse's hibiscus tea was not great. My beer was wonderful! With so many excellent choices downtown, we will continue to try other places, and can see returning here eventually. Scores: Location 5, Service 5, Atmosphere 5, Beverages 4, Food 3, for an overall score of 4. read more
A taco place for vegetarians and vegans, with margaritas! I stumbled upon this restaurant walking past, it's casual eat in or take out. I ordered an eggplant taco and a mushroom taco, both were excellent, I also tried a side of the green rice. Margarita was great and they do a happy hour from 3-7pm. Interior decor was really nice, bright and open and the staff were friendly. read more
5 years ago
Chaia just opened their second location near my apartment, and I'm super excited to have them as a neighbor. I went on the first night to check it out. The space is really pleasant - light, airy, and spacious, with plenty of seating. You go up to the counter to order and pay first, and then you can observe your tacos being made in the back. I ordered the kale and potato taco and a mushroom taco. They were both so good! The fillings are flavorful and plentiful, spilling out of the thick handmade corn tortilla. I especially loved the savory and slight creaminess of the kale. The tortilla was just thick enough to handle the weight of the filling and not fall apart. My boyfriend really enjoyed his vegetarian tacos too, despite being a meat eater! The taco trio wasn't very filling for him, but I think it's the perfect light meal - and they have various sides and desserts which I'm excited to try on a future visit. read more
These were probably the worst tacos I've ever had . Out of the 5 on the menu, only two: the creamy kale and potato and roasted butternut squash were palatable. The sides of pickled beet egg was good and the carrot habenero pepper sauce were the only redeeming parts of the experience. The dessert: chocolate tortita was fine : they use Harper Macaw chocolate in that but it was overpriced and underwhelming - right in theme with the whole Place itself. The service was really nice and I appreciated the honesty there. read more
8 years ago
Omgosh didn't know vegan tacos could taste so delicious!!! So much flavor and not too salty!! I ordered the braised mushroom, creamy kale potato, and I forgot the name of the last taco but it was all a mouthful of goodness. I was happy eating each taco. They make their corn tortillas and I thought it was pretty good for it being gluten free. I didn't feel heavy after eating. It was a guilt free indulgence. Must try if ur in the area. New favorite lunch spot! This will def be one of my go to lunch places. read more
Wow. New favorite taco spot. This place is amazing!!! I've been wanting to go here for a while but it was all the way in Georgetown so I was ecstatic when I found out it opened up in Chinatown. I got the beet taco, cabbage and sweet potato and my friend got the same but the mushroom one. SHROOMS. I don't even like mushrooms and it was amazing!!! I looooved the tacos but definitely still hungry afterwards. Had to eat another meal... I could eat like 6 of those and still may be hungry read more
8 years ago
I kept hearing about this place and I'm always in for tacos, so I took my teammates to try it out. The kale and potato tacos were my fave and it even won over my super carnivore teammate. I also tried the squash one (yum) and the quesadilla. The only thing is, I don't like the shell. Maybe it's just me, but it's just not tasty to me. That said, it's the reason I didn't appreciate the quesadilla. So, yay, I'm still a fan. read more
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615 I St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Chinatown
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(202) 290-1019
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https://www.chaiatacos.com
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