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    El Techo

    3.6 (478 reviews)
    ModerateTapas Bars, Tacos
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Techo Photos

    EL TECHO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - El Techo

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    Reviews With Photos

    Robert M.

    I came to El Techo with a coworker after work for Cinco de Mayo. After trekking up the stairs, I was captivated by their tree setup and colors/decorations. They also had DJs playing live music to keep the vibes going strong. It was a little after 5, and we were surprised to be told all the tables were reserved and we could order at the bar. The bar, of course, was packed. Another disappointment was being told no Happy Hour or specials was going on. Really? It's not like the restaurant wouldn't have made a profit with specials with the amount of people coming in. We both ordered 2 tacos and a margarita. When I got my receipt, I saw she only charged me for my tacos and not the margarita. Big win! My coworker found out they didn't put salsa in her bag, and when she spoke to the male bartender about he tried to charge her $5 for a little cup of salsa. My coworker came back to me asking for cash because he said her card didn't go through, even though it showed it on her end. I said that's ridiculous and went to the woman bartender who served us and asked for a cup, and she provided us one without hassle. We were able to drink our margaritas and eat some of our food at a table in the back before we were told a party was about to be seated there. In terms of the tacos, they were delicious and seasoned very well. Their menu isn't extensive, but the prices are pretty good, so I can see myself coming back after work one day.

    Liv W.

    What's sad is that I used to love El Techo and really thought the food used to be delicious! I remember coming two years ago and they had the most amazing fajitas but now, the menu is quite small (I don't know if it's because we came later and they narrow it down after a certain hour?). So I came with a group of 8. Some of them are underage and some of us are of age. Unfortunately because of that, even if we were 21+ (I'm 22), we weren't allowed to order drinks. It's a bummer but I can deal with it. My bigger issue was not just the food but the fact that the table next to us was meant for four people and instead had about 10 people. So we quite literally could not get up from our table to move to go to the restroom. They kept bumping into us and had no courtesy. It was so frustrating!! Obviously that's not entirely on the restaurant, but it was inconsiderate and annoying. Especially when they started pouring alcohol into this one guys mouth and almost bumped into my friend who was trying to eat. I get it--it's a bar/club/restaurant. But it was 8 pm. Like sir what are you doing right now? It was super loud! I get it--it's a club super late at night. But I think it made it worse that we were right next to the DJ. Couldn't hear anyone. Does anyone know if there's a specific time that it turns more rowdy? We arrived at 7:30 which I feel is a normal time to eat dinner... Okay let's get to the food. The food has definitely gone downhill. The burrito is kinda small and if you want a small portion of chips, queso, guac, and salsa, it's $19. The portion size of the sauces is honestly a joke--I could make this at home for $10 and the guac was lacking in flavor. Just saying. The tacos were fine but honestly nothing is special. The service was fine. He also struggled getting to us because of the annoying table next door. The decorations are super cute and I will say the vibes are good. But honestly, it's really not somewhere I would want to go again. It used to be way better. Do not go here if you're looking for Mexican food--but if you wanna get drunk with your friends and listen to subpar music, I guess this is the place.

    Chips and queso
    Serena B.

    Loved the food! The mini chimichangas were so good! I wasn't super crazy about the dollar tacos on Tuesday, but I would definitely go back for the mini chimichangas. The service was really good. The waiters were always making sure we were good and that our cups were always filled with drinks. The ambiance was really cute as well! I will definitely go back again.

    Fatima V.

    the very first time I came here I found hair in my food and I was able to get another meal but honestly I wasn't pleased. I ended up giving it another try as I never tried brunch at this location before, and it's definitely a party for brunch. If you want to talk to your friends, you can't it's so loud :( we wanted to try the $39.99 buffet + bottomless drinks but upon walking over to the area, that food did not look good at all so we asked if we could just have the drinks and we'd be ordering from the normal menu. We ended up getting huevos rancheros and the birria tacos, and that food was pretty good! I enjoyed it, they also charged us $25 for the bottomless drinks since we weren't eating. It's aesthetically pleasing but I just didn't enjoy my time there, i personally wouldn't go again.

    Gingerbread Coquito
    Sara R.

    My brother came into town last minute, and I wanted him to experience a DC pop-up bar. El Techo had their heated patio decorated, and it was perfect since we didn't have a reservation. The decor gave off major holiday vibes, and I was all about it! My brother and I tried the Gingerbread Coquito, and wow, this place never disappoints. They really load up your drink, and it was absolutely delicious. It was a chill Wednesday night, but I have to say the service was lacking. Once we mentioned we weren't ordering food, the staff stopped checking in on us. I wanted a water refill and we were considering ordering another drink, but the waitress never came back to check on us. Eventually, we asked for the check and left.

    am A.M. Nachos
    Ellen D.

    Huge shoutout to Gio, the Events Director, and Graham, our server, for making our experience memorable. We initially reserved a table for 10 at 12 noon on a Saturday, but our party size grew to 16. Graham was super accommodating and suggested we switch to a 3pm seating, even offering a round of shots on the house. Of course, we couldn't skip out on free booze so we took the offer. The restaurant itself is located in Arlington, DC, and while it has a large, impressive staircase to enter, it's definitely a bit scary when you're tipsy and trying to leave. As for parking, there isn't a nearby garage, and I spent about 45 minutes searching for street parking, so I recommend taking an uber or the metro if you're planning to visit. Inside, it feels super festive with a colorful decorations and a live DJ. However, the bathroom situation was a little odd. One of the restroom doors was missing a handle/lock, and the men's urinal area had no privacy doors, which was definitely an unusual... Food wise- there was nothing that stood out to me or had a "wow" factor. Overall, great service and a fun atmosphere; we had a great time, but I probably wouldn't come back.

    A.M. Nachos
    Jasmine W.

    I went when it was crowded but we were eventually able to get seating after standing at the bar for about 20 minutes. Our table ordered the loaded yuca, birria tacos and nachos. Definitely get the yuca fries loaded, they were really good. I thought the birria could have been more tender, and the nachos were good (and huge serving!). Staff was very friendly, they made sure we got seated after they saw us standing for a while.

    Brunch buffet items
    Katie N.

    We finally we able to try out El Techo for brunch and had a blast. We opted to do the buffet and bottomless margaritas/mimosas, but also still ordered separate items form the a la carte menu as it was our first time. They definitely know how to make a mean margarita so definitely try those. The buffet was a great way to try different meats and their tacos. The service was also very helpful in explaining how everything works. The brunch is lovely as there is a DJ. We definitely plan to go back, especially as the weather is warming up, and where they can open the rooftop windows.

    Two Birria Tacos (Special)
    Anna P.

    These birria tacos are next-level delicious--easily some of the best I've ever had! The tortillas were perfectly crisped on the griddle, soaked just enough in the savory consommé to give them that irresistible golden crunch. The beef was incredibly tender, juicy, and rich with deep, slow-cooked flavor that made every bite unforgettable. Dipping the tacos in the warm, spiced consommé took them over the top--comforting, bold, and absolutely addictive. You can tell everything is made with care and packed with authentic flavor. If you're craving tacos that hit all the right notes--crispy, juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor--this spot is a must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back for more!

    Carnitas taco
    Karen R.

    Came here to celebrate a friends birthday dinner during happy hour. Several tacos and drinks were on the happy hour. I tried the carne asada, carnitas, and chicken tacos. All of them were very tasty and the pina colada had an extra shot in a tube you could pour in the drink to make it stronger. The place is not that easy to find since it's on the roof top. Unfortunately there was no birthday celebration or anything offered for the bday girl but tacos and nachos were very tasty. Nachos would be great for 2-3 people. We were stuffed!

    Salina P.

    I loooove el techo so much! The ambiance and drinks are everything. I had some friends visiting from out of town and they loved the vibe. Drinks are always made strong!! It's a perfect place to take people who are visiting from out of town or even just for a girls night. They have happy hour deals throughout the week as well. Service is always fast no matter how busy they are!

    Mango margarita
    Kanisha L.

    Can had awesome experience at El Techo with a few traveling friends. Our reservation was for 2:30pm but they graciously sat us an hour earlier. The space was creative but I need a bit more cushion for their chairs. We had option of buffet vs menu and we opt for the menu. Everyone enjoyed their meal from the birria tacos to steak and eggs to huevos rancheros. The guac was delicious too and the margaritas were spot on. What really made this experience 5 stars was our server. We soon realized he was one of the only servers there, responsible for half the restaurant. He was attentive, kind, patient, prompt, and understanding. Oscar was his name and I was sure to let his manager know about his excellent customer service. I would certainly be back!

    El Techo Margarita, mango, and strawberry margarita
    Kendra B.

    El Techo was the perfect spot to unwind after a long workday with friends. I started off with a few drinks, and my favorite by far was the Papaya Punch--fruity, refreshing, and perfect for those who do not like to taste the alcohol in their cocktails. I also tried the Guava Collins, which came highly recommended by a friend. While it was good, I found myself going back for another Papaya Punch. The margaritas were also a hit, especially the mango one. The strawberry margarita, however, was a bit too strong for my taste, but I appreciate that El Techo offers a range of options for those who prefer heavier pours and those who like to keep it light. As for the food, I couldn't get enough of the nachos with salsa, queso, and guacamole--no regrets there! The tacos were delicious, and the mac & cheese balls were extremely cheesy, almost too cheesy for me. But if you're a cheese lover, they're definitely worth try! The service was also good. We had servers coming to check on us at the table, and the owner even shared the history about the his travels which inspired him to design and create this sister restaurant to Rito Loco (located downstairs!). Check it out if you're in DC and in the mood for Mexican!

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    6 months ago

    decent rooftop thats pretty well covered, nice margarita specials, DJs, good vibe when the weather is nice

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - El Techo

    Is this kid friendly (i have a one yr old and 11 yr old)?

    Don't recommend bringing kids here because it is very loud and it's mainly a place for adults to drink

    Is there a cover charge to get in?

    No, there is no cover charge.

    Do you have to be 21?

    The last time I went was in April 2021 and you did not need to be 21 to get in. I'm 21 and went with my sister (14). I can't remember if they served soda but we both ordered their mocktails.

    View All 5 Questions

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    dLeña - Pork Belly** and Short Rib**

    dLeña

    (1.3k reviews)

    $$$

    Came last night before a comedy show at the Capital One Arena and OMG...10/10 hands down I have no…read morenotes. We went in right as they opened, on a Friday at 5 pm, and there was already a line! The reservations were full, but we were offered a seat either at the bar or outside. Luckily it was a beautiful day so we took a seat outside. They started us off with a sweet hibiscus flavored juice as a palate cleanser which was super refreshing. The left side of the menu had appetizers and shareables, while the right side had entrees. We ordered the short rib tacos, pork belly, wagyu empanadas, and seafood enchiladas. Everything had a beautiful bright orange sauce on it and made it look like it would be spicy but it wasn't! I think it's their signature guajillo sauce and it was VERY good, super creamy. Seafood enchiladas: This was my fav. Might have been because it was extremely hungry and it was my first bite. Definitely best when eaten warm, as the cheese is gooiest and the seafood inside is hot. I wasn't sure how the salad was going to be but it added a perfect refreshing and acidity to balance out the creamy sauce. Wagyu empanadas: Much gooey-er and cheesier than expected, but also a hit! Came with a decent amount of beef inside. Comes with the orange sauce and a chimichurri, which I think was a good idea because given how cheesy and creamy the filling already was, the chimichurri was a nice balance as well. Pork belly: Melts as soon as you cut into it. The Asian in me low key wanted a giant bowl of rice with this so that I could soak up all the sauce and veggies. Pretty fatty so if you're not a fan of that you might not like this. Short rib tacos: These were loaded, not with meat but with tons of crunchy topping (maybe fried carrots?) Could have done with slightly less crunch but overall still good. The orange sauce on the bottom had a peanuty flavor which I thought added a unique kick. Also, we were surprised at how quickly the food came out. We were in and out in under an hour. Our server Rebecca was also extremely nice. Will def be back if in the area. Highly recommend all around!

    I came to dLeña for brunch with friends on a Saturday, and overall, it was a decent experience but…read morenot one I'd necessarily go out of my way to repeat. We went around 11:30, so it started off pretty quiet, but as brunch picked up, it definitely got louder. The ambiance is nice though, very laid-back, chill, and a great vibe for a group brunch or celebration. We did the bottomless brunch, and one thing I really appreciated is that the bottomless food and drinks are priced separately. Not everyone in our group wanted drinks, so it was nice that we were only charged for the people who actually ordered them. The only downside is that mocktails aren't included. The food is served as small plates brought out progressively, but I do wish this had been explained better upfront. It was presented as if they would just bring items out, but it wasn't clearly communicated that we could also order anything we wanted from the menu. That made the experience feel a bit confusing. The meal started off strong. The salad was fresh, and there was a fruit/yogurt dish with agave that was honestly one of the best things we had. From there, it became hit or miss. The ceviche and chips were good, the fish tacos were solid, and I appreciated that they had some vegetarian options (though somewhat limited). The waffle and churro were highlights, but the potato hash fell flat. As the meal went on, service slowed down quite a bit. We were waiting a while for certain items (like the corn), and it felt like things just started to lag toward the end. Service overall followed a similar pattern. Strong at the beginning, but less attentive as it got busier. Overall, I'd rate it around a 7 out of 10. It's a fun spot for the experience and group setting, but the lack of clarity and inconsistency in pacing took away from it. I might consider trying it for dinner since I've heard good things, but for brunch, it's not a place I'd go out of my way to revisit.

    Chaia

    Chaia

    (210 reviews)

    Chinatown

    The handmade tortillas and vegetarian tacos are bursting with flavor in every bite! The tacos are…read morepeppered with spices and herbs, cheese, roasted veggies, and topped with zesty sauce that blend so well together and complement the flavors. All the tacos are unique and tasty - Braised Mushroom with feta, Creamy Kale & Potatoes, Roasted Beets with ricotta, Roasted Eggplant, Skillet Corn and Cauliflower, Lemon Garlicky Greens, Smoky Collared Greens taco, Butternut Squash with goat cheese and caramelized onions. The only taco that I'm not a big fan of is the Scrambled Egg with Black Beans. It's very bland and the eggs are cold. The new Lunch combos are great - I got the Mushroom Quesadilla with Kale Salad. The Kale Salad had a spicy kick! There's a nice large tank of complimentary ice water instead of the faucet. The hibiscus tea is refreshing and sweetened with honey. The coconut lime aqua fresca is refreshing as well and a nice summer mocktail. I've had the blueberry margharita slushie at the Gtown location and really enjoyed it. Always excited to come back and it's become a staple of my office go-to lunch hot spots!

    This is a very cute, hip eatery that specializes in veggie tacos…read more Now I admit; I love me some pork belly tacos, or pretty much anything with meat in it. But hold on - they have a roster that will leave you full, even if you are a self-professed carnivore. I got a trio of different options and loved every one of them. The prices are reasonable (for this area) as well. I also like the space. It was bright and spacious, with almost an independent coffee shop vibe. If I needed to telework, I could see myself hanging here (but eating tacos instead of sipping lattes). Put away any misconceptions about 'vegan' and try it.

    El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria - Fajita El Sol

    El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria

    (779 reviews)

    $$

    Shaw, Downtown

    This place hit the spot, even toddler approved! We ordered take out and it was prepared pretty…read morequickly. The menu is quite extensive, it took us longer to decide on what we wanted. I got the nachos, my husband got tacos, and we got a chicken quesadilla for our toddler. The nachos were PILED with toppings and so colorful - even in a take out container is looked beautiful. They were SO tasty, very full of flavor and spice. My husband said the tacos were delicious and our toddler actually ate a lot of the quesadilla. Win all around. Highly recommend!

    In town for the week, tried to get into Unconventional Diner for brunch...a backup was needed. We…read moreventured down a few blocks looking for anything and found El Sol. Fair sized joint with a smallish patio out front. Having perused the menu on the way, I was looking to try something just beyond "staple of cheap Mexican." Sadly, we were presented with brunch menus, so it was a breakfast burrito for me and the breakfast tacos for her. I was remarkably hungry, so the burrito was eaten (and quickly). But truth be told, it's standard Mexican fare made with breakfast ingredients. No more description necessary - you've had this before and you'll have it again. The service was marginally lackluster- if you're not in a big party, you might get shuffled down in prioritization (or at least I thought we were...once ready to leave I did the 'fidget with credit card' trick to get the staff to close us out. It took frustratingly long. All in all, if I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my cheap Mexican place and more out of convenience than culinary merit.

    Talkin Tacos

    Talkin Tacos

    (195 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    One word, AMAZING! I was in DC for a week and we went here 3 times. We even made it a point to get…read moreour last lunch before our flight here. The food is fantastic, fast, with great service with a smile. If you're in DC, don't pass this place up. One last update, I ordered the street corn as a side. Wow! It was amazing but beware it is more than a side, it's almost a meal so you could certainly share.

    I was so excited to come try the Birria Mac n cheese. As a reviewer I would say Mac n cheese is my…read morespeciality! I love it! But unfortunately this Mac n cheese was not it at all. I would not order it again. The birria was good, the takis were a little Over powering so I'm glad they added a small amount. But the noodles and cheese itself. Just not good the most bland thing I've had. Like seriously I think Kraft Mac n cheese would have had more flavor. It was also super watery... and I usually love my mac n cheese creamy but this wasn't creamy. I'm not sure the cheese they used but it was not it.... I also asked for a side of hot sauce on the Kiosk and it was not brought to me. So I can't rate how that was. The horchata was good though. But there weren't that many people and the churros took forever to come out. They were the best thing I had there though lol. I left hungry... time to try the next spot in DC. Final thoughts: I think all food should come out at once... With so many spots to try in this spot I'll skip it for a retry. Even the birria was okay but not best birria I've ever had... not even top 10... maybe an off day? The vibe inside was beautiful though! I dig the video showing the process of making the food.

    Dos Toros Taqueria - Bacon breakfast burrito

    Dos Toros Taqueria

    (57 reviews)

    This is a Mexican food joint located in Chinatown, across from the Arena. It is part of a small…read morelocal chain of restaurants. There is metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance. The restaurant has a nice patio and a decent-sized dining area. The staff was friendly enough, but I had a hard time understanding them. This place serves basic Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, chips, and salsa. You just pick your protein and toppings. They have asada, chicken, asado, carnitas, and potatoes. Some toppings include shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, corn, onions, and lettuce. You also have to choose between brown rice, Mexican rice, black beans, and pinto beans. I ordered a chorizo burrito. It took them about 5 minutes to prepare. The burrito was huge. I must say that it was very good. Very tasty and flavorful. It could have been a bit warmer, though. After I ate my burrito, I was full. I really enjoyed my meal here, and I highly recommend checking this place out. They serve some good, fast Mexican food.

    Dos Toros consistently has better quality food and service than both Chipotle and Moe's based on my…read moreexperience. Food - I always get a chicken bowl with a ton of toppings. This is the only place where I can get crushed chips in my bowl too. In terms of the price point, it's similarly priced as other texmex places. I can also appreciate how I won't run out of options here. Service/atmosphere - the employees are also speedy when preparing my food. They're also generous with their scoops, which I can always appreciate. The place indoors is always clean too. I would skip Chipotle and other Texmex places and go here instead!

    El Techo - tapas - Updated May 2026

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