Not a great place to bring a group if you're going during prime happy hour time - the place is smaller in size and just does not lend itself to parties larger than 2-3. In my opinion. Now, if you get there during non-peak hours and can snag some tables to push together: you have yourself a great location to camp out and get some GOOD margaritas and tacos. After the happy hour pricing ends though, I don't see how their tacos can push that $10 price tag. I placed an order at the end of happy hour and was shocked to find that the otherwise very inexpensive tacos and chips/salsa and ONE corona had landed me $20 with tip. YIKES. Like, they are good but not THAT good, ya know? Also service was laughable. Yea, they were busy for happy hour - but I shouldn't have to ask - and be told - that the order placed 20 minutes ago wasn't actually placed. So, go for the deal pricing, but don't be in a rush. read more

Food is not bad, but the tacos are teeny tiny and no chips with delivery?? Cheap and skimpy with portions.

I can't help but love El Chucho. It's been said many times below but it bears repeating: how can you not get behind $5 margaritas? Especially when they're ON TAP? It's practically a crime if that sentence doesn't make you happy. I haven't ordered any of the more expensive drinks because the $5 margs are so good. The guacamole is delicious, and so are the tacos. My only gripe is that the food seems overpriced as compared to portion size. But go for the drinks, and you won't be sorry. read more

Great dive spot. The bartender was well-versed in tequila and mezcal, which made our tasting experience so much better! The food wasn't amazing, though I'll certainly be back for more booze! read more

I forgot I was here on New Year's day because I had el tequila samplerrrr. Kicking myself for not having the corn. Do it.

The margaritas were strong and delicious and the tacos were ample and a bargain at HH prices! I wish they had their menu online and if only it wasn't so flinging flanging far from the metro but this is definitely a great spot to be a regular if you're a local. read more

I've eaten here twice and have yet to be disappointed-- including the last time which we ordered practically everything on the menu and it was all delicious. My standout was the sandwich at the end of the menu but I know everything we had (even if I can't remember what all we had) was awesome. I also highly recommend their house made sodas and juices-- I had a few vodka and grapefruit sodas that I really enjoyed. Started with a margarita that was also awesome. I will say that we had to wait 4-eva for a table, but it was on a beautiful Saturday night in May, so I should probably have expected that from somewhere as trendy as El Chucho. Overall you can't miss at this place. read more

Love the vibe here and I'll probably go back for happy hour, but the tacos were just average. The chips and salsa were good, but how hard is that? The best part was the blood orange habanero margarita! The service was good and we sat outside at the "bar" there which is great for a nice day. Tacos were disappointing though. read more

El Chucho - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

el chucho, despite my high hopes, was very 'meh' for me last weekend. met a friend here for dinner and drinks, though i must say that the ambience is awesome. i also love anything columbia heights, so that was a good start. my friend ran late and my waiter was kind enough to be patient with me as i ordered chips and guac (which was average) and many margaritas (which were strong and thus, above average). the eote callejero - aka street corn on the cob - was phenomenal. would come back just to get drunk and eat this. i don't know exactly what was on top of it (i think garlic salt and mayo?) but it was delish! came out right away, piping hot. my friend and i each got the carne asada tacos, because duh. they were a) super small b) dry and flavorless c) not filling. maybe this is more of a drink to get drunk and have chips and dip place? maybe coming for a full dinner is not the best idea. i did love the ambience and service however, so i would definitely come back and give it another dry. read more

LOVE the frozen margaritas, tacos are solid and they have great happy hour specials: chips and salsa for $1?! The best. It can get pretty crowded and during those times, the service isn't exactly great, but you can't blame them for being busy. read more

I didn't have the food but the drinks were amazing. The Bartender took the time out to explain all the different tequilas they offered. He didn't have to do it but he did with no problem. Great Customer Service, I will definitely be coming back! read more

Awesome tacos- tried the pollo, the asada, and the al pastor tacos. All three were delicious, but my favorites were the pollo and al pastor. Both were incredibly flavorful and filling. Lots of meat and toppings in all the tacos! The asada was tasty, but the meat was too tough. Overall, not bad for the price and some of the yummier tacos I've had! Would definitely come back for late night/drunk food runs. read more

The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the food comes out very quickly. However, it doesn't make up for the lackluster food. I ordered the eloté, which should be called buttered corn with cheese because authentic eloté is slathered in seasoned mayonnaise, queso blanco, and tajin. I also had an order of the asada tacos and the pollo tacos, the steak was tough and both meats were unseasoned. It's not authentic mexican by a long shot. read more

I arrived around 6 on a Thursday evening by myself and asked for a table for 6. I was fully prepared to be turned away and told that I couldn't be seated until my party had arrived, but I was pleasantly surprised when the guy told me that he could get my table ready and seat me right away. My table was ready upstairs within seconds, so I sat and ordered a margarita while I waited. The patio is actually kind of amazing: there are plants, lights strung from the ceiling and music playing so I felt as if I was on vacation and this btw this feeling set in pre-marg buzz. Happy hour ends at 6:30 and since my friends were still en route at 6:15 I asked if I could place an order for 5 more margaritas, but I was told that couldn't be done. What if I had wanted 6 margaritas, would they have denied that request too? I'll never know. However, I was able to place an order for chips and salsa. A couple people sitting by me were munching on corn on the cob, which looked incredibly appetizing so I placed an order for one and it was delicious! I highly, highly recommend the corn. My friends finally arrived around 6:25 and at approximately 6:28 our waiter came over to take their orders, they wanted a pitcher, which aren't offered (lame) and then our waiter told us that happy hour was actually over; I thought that was really lame considering it wasn't even 6:30. Anyways, the regular prices are so reasonable we all moved on and enjoyed our drinks and food. I ordered the zucchini tacos, sans cheese and they were very good, not absolutely amazing, but satisfying. We also ordered some guacamole, which was pretty good. I think the corn was the best part of my meal. I had a total of two margaritas: one was the organic original one and then I tried a swirl marg, they were both good and of course, I finished both of them, but I've definitely had better margaritas. So, even though the food and margaritas weren't off the hook, I'm still giving 4 stars because I really enjoyed the ambiance and the corn was delectable. Next time I'll definitely sit outside again, I'll try a different margarita and I'll get two corns! read more

I think the best words I could use describe it are hipster Mexican...menu isn't extensive and prices are a tad steep outside of happy hour, but all in all a nice place for a drink and quick bite to eat. I read more

I've been here twice - once for drinks on the roof deck, and most recently for brunch on Saturday morning. I love how the menu is fairly small, so it's easy to make your choice. I got calabacita tacos and they were really delicious - I especially liked the fried zucchini. My husband got a steak burrito and it was just the right size - not too big, but also not tapas-sized, perfect for breakfast. I believe that chimichangas and huaraches can be made vegan. Great food, great service, nice atmosphere. We'll be back soon! read more

One of my favorite happy hour spots. Yeah the margs are basic, but the price is great. The tacos for DC are good--get the El Pastor. How can you lose out with all day HH on Mondays?! read more

Tacos were pretty good. The chicken was moist and the flavors were well balanced. I had a hard time eating the steak (was a bit chewy). You MUST try the corn, which is savory and sweet at the same time. The rooftop can be warm in the summer, but they have big fans to help with the heat. If you come for drinks at night and sit outside, they will have to move you inside after midnight to adhere to the neighborhood noise ordinances. Ask for the chili salt on your margaritas if you like salt. It provides a more interesting flavor profile. read more

Good and cheap margaritas, good but not cheap flavored Margaritas, and so so good. The Calabacitas (Veggie tacos) were actually REALLY good. The Chocolate Mousse dessert was good. The place is really loud. They've got outdoor seating read more

The food was meh. Nice place in a changing neighborhood. I heard so much about it and wasn't that pleased. Good outside deck though when the weather is nice. read more

Some of the best tacos in town. Try the octopus if you're into that. Yum. Home made non-alcoholic drinks are lovely and can be spiked for an adult beverage. Staff can be a little bristly, but I see it is a cactus thing... ya know ;) read more

The corn is to die for and the tacos are superb, be you vegan, veg, or carnivore. The only problem was when I brought a corn-allergic friend. She didn't have any great choices. read more

Since my original post I have been back to El Chucho a few times and the experience has been just meh. The waitress that served us the first time we came was wonderful but all the others have been pretty terrible. One was pretty snarky and just rude, ruining our evening. While some of the food is pretty delicious some is just so so. I don't think I will be back for awhile. read more

Stopped in here last Saturday afternoon during a neighborhood food/bar crawl. This place was the star. Amazing fried queso with mole, and the cheap margaritas were better than the top shelf most places. You won't find nasty margarita mix here. Lengua tacos were amazing. Even the salsa was super. Very friendly folks too. Huge fan of this place - can't wait to go back to sit on the top deck when the weather gets warm. read more

You're here for the corn. One of the few times "everyone" says something is amazing and it actually lives up to expectations. I wouldn't call El Chucho pricey, but if you're hungry you'll need to order more than two tacos. The flautas are decent but small. I asked for Mole sauce on the side and it was of the smoky variety. I'll be back on a Monday for the all night happy hour so I can try the different drinks and more items. Main entree was chicken tacos which were fine. The ginger margarita was very nice and yes, get the fancy chile lime salt. Seating upstairs on the roof deck is compact - not sure if they ever open the patio up to enjoy the evening air but they should. read more

Great ambiance, and a nice rooftop- a good place for a frozen margarita at happy hour, with a walk-up bar. Seating is limited, so this isn't a good place for groups. And be warned, the tacos are small and you can get cheaper and more authentic tacos elsewhere in Columbia Heights. read more

Meh. Good margaritas. Good tacos. Solid but not spectacular. It has a nice ambiance and an ok roof-deck if you can get a seat. The Elote Callejero is the highlight of the menu. read more

We loved el Chucho when it first opened. Then we moved out of DC and dreamed of returning for the elote. When back in town this weekend we made sure to hit up el Chucho but were unfortunately and surprisingly underwhelmed. Our beloved elote was mushy and overcooked and not as tangy as I remember. Didn't it used to have some kind of Chile on it? Lime? El codo margs as delish as always, rimmed in Chile salt. Chilequiles terrible. Overcooked eggs topped with what seemed canned black by beans and "ranchero sauce" which seemed a sprinkling of seasonless stewed tomato and a small sprinkle of cotija. Hubby's tacos good. Sad overall! read more

The corn on the cob and asada tacos are great! Loved the roof deck also. Definitely a hole in the wall place to try!

Came here for the first time for happy hour. The food is phenomenal. Sat at the bar and our bartender Kevin was so friendly and paid attention to all of the patrons. Talk about a multitasker. The place was packed and he was attentive making sure everyone was ok. I totally recommend this place. Great customer service and hidden gem. read more

If I could put no stars I would but since I can't I'm going to leave it at one star... my experience here was good the food was great the environment was good as well. When it got to the end thAts when everything went to down hill as I was paying for my bill I grab my stuff and as I leavE out the store my waiter Nadia approached me as she was waiting for me to come outside and called me by my name and basically ask me if the tip I left was right I looked at her and thought maybe it was to much but to my surprise it wasn't enough for her and she starting to harass me about why I gave her a low tip talking about the restaurant requires a 20% tip on all bills and that I gave her less than 20% and that it was a slap in her face and that I took money from her pocket at this point I'm feeling rreally shocked that that this girl is really talking to me lIke this. I really felt harassed because she was literally waiting for me outside with the check book in her hand my friend was there to witness the whole thing... I wouldn't return to this place if it was the last place on earth to eat this was my first time going there and it will definitely be my last.... im not going to forget about this and I will keep reaching out to management until this is fix. read more

Good food, awesome ambiance. I got the egg/vegetable sandwich thing which was good (4/5), along with chips n' guac (which was way too small for what it was- 3/5). Not sure how often I'd come back here, but definitely worth checking out for a meal on the upper deck (which is a 5/5 for ambiance). read more

I've been here twice- once for a HH on a Monday, and another time for lunch on Sunday. Both experiences were great- delicious food, good beer choices, great drinks. Both times it wasn't too crowded, which is always great to find in DC. I'm not sure how it'd look like later in the night/Friday/Sat nights. The tacos are great- juice and full of flavors. Although I don't necessarily like paying for chips/salsa, theirs is great and I don't mind (great HH price!)- extra kick to it. Definitely will be back as I want to try the corn and enjoy the rooftop! read more

Happy hour is a great deal. Carne Asada is amazing and the corn is like nothing I have ever had. Great hot spot. A must in DC.

Yum. This place is cozy. There is a definite hipster feel. The corn is amazing and the tacos are solid. Yes, they are small but thus is the size of a typical totra. Plus, they are cheap enough to buy more if you are still hungry. All of the food is reasonably priced. They also have decent $5 margarita; it was a bit sweet/tart. Overall, this is a good spot to catch up with friends. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. read more

I have mixed feeling about this place. While the food has been great both times I was there, the service was not. There was one particularly rude server with whom I dealt both times I was there. Good food, good drinks, mediocre service. I'd probably still go back. read more

I love it here! Although it is small and always packed, it is worth waiting a bit for a table. Our server was extremely attentive on a busy Saturday night and our group really enjoyed sitting upstairs by the heater. Must try the ginger margaritas - they're so good and also pretty strong. read more

Was here for dinner with 4 friends on a saturday night. Ambience: Has a fun 50s diner vibe to it, and our waitress reminded me of the housewife dress wearing, hipster glasses sporting waitresses at little serrow. really cool pair of giant dice hanging from the ceiling. Meal: The tacos are solid --had the calabacita (squash blossoms/zucchini) and lengua (beef tongue) tacos. the calabacita tacos are more delicately flavored, so would recommend eating those first so your tastebuds arent too numb to enjoy them. My friends all swear by the Asada --one is a regular and he firmly believes that the Asada are the best tacos on the menu --i cant verify this, but maybe you can! what's really disappointing are two things: the guacamole lacks....flavor. of any sort. we added a ton of salt and still nothing :/ second, the drink proportions were way off. my apple and serpent (hot toddy) had a turkish coffee like sludge filling the bottom half of the cup. my friend's ginger beer was like syrup, way too sweet. another friend's hibiscus cocktail also tasted like it needed a lot more seltzer or something to cut the sweetness. and the margaritas were apparently not too impressive either. Conclusion: tasty and well-priced taco joint --but stick with the tacos, and only the tacos. read more

Went here with my co workers after a hectic meeting in Tysons VA. Worth the 1 hour wait in traffic. Once we got to El Chucho, we were instantly seated on the rooftop. It was around 4ish so I guess we made it for happy hour. The happy hour deals were awesome! got chips and salsa (delicious and spicy) fro $1 and 2 tacos for $3 and a tall tecate for 3.50...best meal under 10 bucks. The tacos al pastor were the best i have had thus far. Not big over filling double corn tortillas, but 2 smaller one with hefty portions of meat. I loved it and will be back on nice summer days. Erin was awesome and so was the other staff read more

So, i'm Mexican and I came here or brunch. If you are latino, the huevos rancheros taste just like home. Chilaquiles do not, but adding pastor to them still seems like a great idea. Bottomless brunch is around $21. It is worth it. Much cheaper than regular DC brunch. They have hibiscus mimosas which sound great but actually taste like cranberry. The waiter speaks spanish and is very nice. I'd definitely come back. Table next to me asked for grilled shrimp tacos and they seemed awesome. read more