I love this restaurant It's the perfect pregame Perfect Staff is very nice and helpful Food is easy and good The ambiance is amazing the dj does his thing 10/10 for a pregame read more

Come for "vibes" and aesthetics.. food was hit or miss. Starter empanadas were.. too greasy, taste was decent enough but a lot of grease. The accompanying sauce was ok- i didnt care for the sweetness. My friend enjoyed her fried yuca. We both had the birria tacos and they were good! To drink, initially i had the spicy margarita but it was waayyyy to sweet so that turned me off of the cocktails, i stuck with corona. They have no sparkling wine which ive never encountered. Hostess was super sweet, waitstaff was to the point. We agreed we could come back for pre or post dinner drinks but definitely to get food elsewhere. read more

El Techo - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Fun place for happy hour and dinner! The food and drinks are good and the rooftop vibes are super fun. Since we were there on a Tuesday, I got the taco Tuesday deal which was three tacos and a margarita for $23. I especially enjoyed the chicken tacos. The margarita was good but I wouldn't say it was great. It was a nice atmosphere though with really quick service, and they didn't rush you read more

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This is such a fun place to stop if you're in the Shaw/U Street area. While I haven't dined here I've come for drinks a few times. This last weekend we were celebrating my brothers engagement and stopped here with a large party after 3pm. The music, decor and vibes come complimentary. Everyone gushed about the decorations and we loved the live DJ. We stayed for a little over an hour. The service was a little slow (we were assigned one server) but the drinks were tasty! Perfect stop for the day. read more

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Worst bottomless i ever been to in DC. how you charge 55$ for bottomless and food from the buffet and the food is actually disgusting. the owner was really nice and accommodating but the food from the buffet was just so bad. read more

So this review is mainly for drinks and good vibes-both of which this restaurant offers. Food: I did try an item and wasn't too happy with the food. The beef strips were a little on the under seasoned side so it's nothing to talk about. Sadly I have no pics of that because I wasn't too happy. Drinks: Now if a restaurant is lacking in the food department, I would stay if the drinks are great. These passion fruit margaritas were GREAT! Start to finish! I enjoy a couple glasses and honey, it made me dance lol Service: My waiter was a sweetheart, he was attentive to my needs and took great care of me the entire time. Ambiance: I like/dislike this place for a few reasons. First, DO NOT sit nearby the DJ booth or you'll risk having someone dance on your shoulder when you're trying to eat. I'm not sure if the small space was a dance floor but this rude couple made it and they literally danced on top of my guest and I. Beyond the rude couple encounter, the DJ was playing some hits and with the passion fruit margarita, it added an extra vibe! Loveeddddddd every moment. Overall, I would return for drinks and dancing. Hmmm, I would probably eat elsewhere and focus only on getting a nice vibe while here. read more

El Techo - Passion Fruit Margarita - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Listen, El Techo is clearly a vibe but I had to knock a star off for those little ass tables lol! It's definitely a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and I love that for them! The openness is really dope and the greenery just makes it feel very welcoming. I met a girlfriend there before going to a show at the Howard Theater, which is right around the corner! We didn't have a reservation but the host was pleasant and seated us immediately (well me, because my friend is always late LOL). The waiter was quick to acknowledge me and bring water while I looked over the menu. I ordered from the regular menu since it was around 8:30 pm. Chips and guacamole - 8/10 basic nothing spectacular Peach Smash cocktail - 10/10 Birria Tacos (2) - 6/10 Listen, I'm a Birria taco connoisseur so if folks are raving about your Birria I'm going to try them!! Mine were not hot in temperature, but room temperature but not cold. They were missing some seasoning. I think many places depend on the consommé to drive it home, but baby you have to season the meat! LOL!! Would I go back to El Techo, yes. Cute spot and a vibe! read more

El Techo - Two Birria Tacos (Special) - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food was decent. The service was nice enough. Overall nice people working here and the ambiance was cool...some would say pretty, I would say trendy. The noise level is high. The rooftop is fairly small and the tables are close maybe too close for comfort. The drinks were 4 out of 5 stars. The food...again...decent...on a state level I'd give it a 3. You come for the location, decor, and yes you can't beat tacos these just aren't the best tacos. Would I come back...I would but for drinks only. read more

El Techo - Chicken Tacos and chips and queso - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My friends and I went here for a night out on the town. The ambience was amazing. I just loved looking at the ceiling and it's decor. Like most DC restaurants on a thurs,Fri or sat, they had a 2hr seating limit. Which was going to be fine... EXCEPT that they picked and chose what tables were going to have to abide by it. We sat down with other tables that had just gotten their food (so obviously had been there 15-30min prior to us) and we were given our warnings and then asked to leave at our time limit and the other tables weren't at all. However, the service was quick. The food yummy and the drinks strong. So I would come back, but be ready for them to play favorites read more

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Friends and family attended brunch at 2 PM this past Saturday. We were excited about the rooftop experience, the Instagram worthy decor, and looked forward to trying the food and drinks. I enjoyed the rooftop and the decor. However, I believe the seating needs to be upgraded. The wooden tables were fine, however, they also had metal tables that were highly rusted. Some foodies eat with their eyes first, so the rust on top of the tables was a turn off for me. When I mentioned this to my waitress, she stared at me and said "we don't have tablecloths". She then switched my section of the table out for a wooden table which has to be propped up on napkins to ensure it did not wobble . As was the case for many of the other tables around. My party had mix reviews about the food and drinks. I enjoyed my steak and eggs, however, the potatoes were bland. Although the food was presented well, it was either in small portions, just okay, or not flavored well. My bottomless mimosas were not served in champagne glasses. The rest of my party ordered bottomless margaritas and were disappointed that none of them were sweet. They tried several flavors, some of which they did not like at all (White chocolate Pina colada) . Our waitress was also not friendly. I requested that my meal not have cilantro, but my steak and eggs came out covered in cilantro. She offered to replace it, but took no accountability. Needless to say, we do not plan to return. read more

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Okay, it's a very instagramable rooftop situation. Reservations: it's on the small side so if you have a group of 4+ make reservations ahead. The website has a pretty easy system. You can cancel the day of within 2 hrs before the reservation time. Scenery: the scenery was really nice. Bathrooms: pee before you go. They were clean but definitely open and cramped. Waitstaff: the waitstaff was amazing. Food was out quickly Food: I had the steak and eggs with homefries. **I dont think this was gluten free. I reacted the next day** So first of all, they didn't have any bottled hotsauce. Their homemade hot sauce was not it. The steak was great but the eggs were bland and runny. The potatoes were okay. They put oldbay on them which as a Marylander, wonderful, but where was the rest of the seasoning?! The mocktail was amazing. Overpriced but really great. Overall, it's a vibe. Food was kind of meh. Good for COVID precautions! read more

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Ok I'm going to try this again! I had already made this review and it was a long one so I'm going to do it again! Not sure why my pictures are showing but my review didn't put up. Ok here we go again...smdh First off this is my first and my last time that I will come here. I met up with some friends for the last party with the Movement crew to their Halloween costume party. To begin the inside of the club was very nice but small and decorated with the greenery and other accessories. The costumes that was there was epic! People can come up with great costumes wish I had more pictures but I digress. Now as I stated above the venue was small as hell and could be a fire hazard. It was so packed in there that the only way out would possibly be jumping out the window! The spot is above another restaurant that makes the food for them so the stairs are steep so be careful if you wearing heels. The biggest problem is the bathroom. The bathroom stalls and I use the word "bathroom" lightly because they basically was stalls and one a curtain for the males exclusively use. The area to wash your hands was literally in front of the stalls. Which only contains a toilet...smdh so you and the person waiting to use the toilet basically have to side step each other. Just trifling! Then the toilets was out of order so we had to go downstairs. Smdh. Then the prices of the drinks was $16! And they were pre-made mix and was not good at all which was disappointing as hell because this is a tequila bar. The only reason they got 2-stars is because the tacos were so good. Other than that they would have gotten maybe a 1 1/2 stars just because of the DJ and the vibe. So let's see if they are going to keep this review up! read more

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Most of their tacos and their quesadillas are not great, but their birria tacos are very very very good, as are their drinks and that is what keeps me coming back! Despite most of the food being subpar, the birria tacos and margaritas are so good that I'll still give them 4 stars, especially because the service and ambiance is great. The mango margarita is yummy and you can even order the margaritas for delivery via doordash which I've done and it's great! Beans and rice are also yummy but small portion unfortunately. I've gone to dine-in and I've gone ordered via doordash (listed as Tacos De Calle on doordash) Dining in is great because the place is beautiful with great vibes. Delivery is great too read more

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This place is all vibezzzzz. Beautiful spot. Great drinks. Nice service. Food was not good. Shrimp tacos and mahi mahi tacos. They had no flavor. Like boiled shrimp with cabbage on top. Nothing else. Same with the mahi-mahi. Breaded fish. Cabbage. The bathrooms are terrible. Open door for men and women. Very uncomfortable. The music was ok. I don't know the genre but not really dancey type. Just vibes lounge music. Good crowd tho. To socialize, it's nice. read more

El Techo - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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You come here for the scenery more than anything. It's beautifully lit, with so many plants and color changing lights. It's small, but cozy. Food is also great! Decent prices and wide variety of latin American food. I've been here twice -- I repeat, make sure you get a reservation!! You're treated completely differently based on if you have one or not. You will be ignored and get poor service if you sit at the bar. read more

El Techo - Great vibes - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Updated pics from a recent visit! Still 4 stars in my book... cool vibe but overpriced! read more

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Other than the super long wait to get a table, it was a good time, atmosphere, with great food and drinks. Good variety of drinks and our meal (steak quesadillas) were great. The bar was full and without reservations you're likely better off going someone else as the staff doesn't allow you to sit anywhere else other than the bar without reservations. read more

El Techo - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Late circle back but my updated review is this was way better the second time! We went for my friends birthday, we met the manager who was so nice. He came over to check on tables and was super chill and friendly as was our waiter. The birria tacos remain my favorite thing but you have to try the tres leches, it's unreal! We even brought a cake too for our friend and snuck it in and they were kind enough to bring it out with our candles. Definitely a fun spot. Absolutely make a res if you go. read more

The Dreams had a ball! Bottomless brunch treated us really well! With an entree, that included bottomless mimosas and cocktails (bloody Mary's, margaritas and tecates). I ordered the mojito chicken quesadilla. So juicy and full of flavor!! Drinks were strong and the food was torch. My friends ordered the tacos: OG, shrimp, fried avocado. Really no complaints. It started to get busy around the time we were wrapping up so it took a little time for our last refill. I'm sure we'll be back! read more

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Absolutely not. Came here for a Taco Tuesday date. It was a mistake. The vibe was great, but the food and overall experience? Not so much. The good: Happy Hour exists, Taco Tuesday menus exist. The bad: The food was terrible AND cold, the drinks taste good but lack alcohol, the service is whatever We got our food before we got our drinks. They served us guacamole that was freezing cold that tasted like it was made with lemon-pepper seasoning without the pepper and without salt. The birria tacos were embarrassing... worst consommé I've ever tasted. Chips were stale. Tortillas for tacos were stale. Mojito chicken taco tasted like nothing - El pollo loco $1 tacos in Cali have more flavor. Saying "pimp my taco" is stupid AF, and even more stupid when you realize it just means that they're adding cheese and sour cream that are cold AF. My shrimp taco had two semi-frozen pieces of pineapple on the bottom. Wtf? We left so unsatisfied and so hungry. Don't do it! read more

Good service and amazing food and drinks! Carne asado tacos and taco bowls are my favorite not to mention the tres leches‍ Mike is my favorite bartender!! Cute place! read more

Brunch on a Rooftop? Sign me up! BUT babyyyyy it was hotttttt up there. My friends and I came here for a boozy brunch on a Sunday afternoon. As soon as we walked in we were greeted and shown to our table. Praise God our table was literally right in front of a fan because when I say it was HOT I mean it was hottttttt. Add bottomless drinks to that and you get even hotter. After being seated our waitress came over & introduced herself. We all decided to go with the bottomless option which includes 2hrs of drinks & your meal for $45. Certain entrees do have an up charge.... like the steak & eggs that I ordered for an additional $5. I asked for the steak to be prepared Medium, instead it was almost well done. It was very tough, flavorless & fatty. The eggs were ok, cheese thrown on top like an after thought & the potatoes also lacked flavor. For my bottomless drink option I went with their Margarita. Every cup was stronger than the one before it. Because of the heat the ice within the cup would melt in minutes. I also noticed that when the waitress would bring the next drink she would take away the existing cup regardless if the cup was empty or not. The drinks were solid, food was lackluster and the heat was soooo uncomfortable. read more

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Came here last Sunday early afternoon with a friend--we had reservations (via Resy) so we were seated right away--our table was right by the edge of the restaurant overlooking the street view! The restaurant decor is beautiful, great for pictures. The restaurant was crowded, with an energetic and lively vibe--they played loud music too. Our server was not very friendly. Then it started drizzling--our server informed us that they would be closing the rooftop cover so the rain wouldn't splatter inside--about 10 mins go by, the roof was still open, my hair was getting wet and our table was getting wet, so finally I went over to ask the host to assist--and then...FINALLY they closed it! Food was limited to only the Sunday brunch menu which was disappointing because that menu was not too appealing. We ordered the Steak & Eggs (ordered it medium but it came out well done) and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. Both food items were relatively good. The mojito drinks were delicious--but the drinks took a while to come out each round. Also note, they are pretty strict with the time allotment--the host comes around to let you know you will be approaching your limit and it's time for you to leave. read more

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Came here before a concert for some quick eats. The rooftop was beautiful, and the crispy avocado taco is a must. We each got a drink and they weren't strong, but definitely tasted good. They were out of most of the drinks weirdly so we got the el techo margarita and prickly pear. The queso was also pretty decent as far as DC queso goes (especially for the price and portion size) so I would suggest getting it. read more

El Techo - Chips and queso, crispy avocado tacos, brisket taco, mojito chicken taco, and margaritas - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

THE BEST NACHOS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! The queso, tomatoes, chicken, chips - everything was fantastic. The drinks were decent. I had order something tajin in it and it didnt taste good. The server was nice enough to get me something else. The place was packed and when the door was opened it was so cold but overall good vibe. I'd def consider coming out on a warmer night. read more

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Took my friend here for dinner while she was in town because it looked really cute online. It is even more adorable in real life. Super Instagram worthy! There was even a DJ in the DJ booth when we arrived. The service was just okay. The servers and staff were nice but they were not very attentive. We were one of maybe 4 tables because we went around 4-4:30 pm on a Sunday. Maybe it was during a shift change so it was an awkward time. We struggled to get staff's attention each time we needed something. The food was also okay. Birria tacos, although great quality ingredients, was just nothing to write home about. I finished the two tacos I had but I don't think I will get it again. It was reasonably priced though so I wasn't upset. My friend got the ground beef bowl and it was 50% ground beef and 50% everything else. She had to ask for more rice because her bowl was entirely ground beef. Not necessarily a bad thing if you prefer more meat. However, she was looking for more balance in her bowl. All in all: I would definitely come back with friends for drinks and vibes on a weekend. And maybe some apps to coat the stomach. read more

El Techo - Two Birria Tacos (Special) - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I came to El Techo for the first time with my boyfriend for dinner before heading to 600t right next door. This wasn't my first time there, but first time writing review. The weather was perfect. This is definitely a place you want to go to on a nice spring day. I've gone in the blazing heat during the summer where it's uncomfortably hot (2020) and during a snowstorm where you can feel a significant draft inside the heated patio (2022). I'd give a solid 5/5 stars for the vibes and ambiance. It's giving everything you'd want for a dope IG pic. I'd next give the food a solid 3.5/5 stars. I had the OG, carne asada and shrimp tacos. They were flavorful, but I couldn't get past the flour tortillas being over toasted. If you're looking for a spot to go to on the fly or experience really cute vibes, this would be your place. read more

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I came here for a quick drop in for some tacos and a margarita on a Tuesday for happy hour. It was jam packed and there were barely seats available at the bar. I knew then, the tacos were about to be spectacular. We tried the Spicy Mezcal, Papaya, and the El Techo Margaritas. All of which were fabulously prepared. We also indulged in the Shrimp and three Birria Tacos. All of which were delicious. The food came out quickly but wasn't sloppily prepared which I can appreciate. But it was also very tasty. 10/10 would definitely recommend. I was highly satisfied with my quick visit. It was packed, but worth every minute. read more

El Techo - Amazing Margarita's - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love coming here for a night out! Had some friends visiting over the 4th of July weekend and wanted to take them to El Techo. Make a reservation if you want a table!! You can skip the line outside and go straight to the bouncer. They'll let you go up and you'll get to your reserved table right away. We were a party of 6 and arrived a couple minutes before our reserved time. We noticed the large line outside but were told we could go to the front as long as we had a reservation. It worked out well so reserving is definitely the way to go. For large parties the Trifecta is a perfect shareable item for the table. It included chips, salsa, queso, and guac. I also got the Birria tacos which were delicious. For drinks I ordered La Diabla. Employees were really friendly and always checking our table to make sure we're ok. The rooftop area is gorgeous, all the decorations are beautiful. I've come twice now with different friend groups and I still plan to keep this place on my list for a fun night out! read more

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Located in Shaw, El Techo is a rooftop restaurant & bar serving that serves Latin dishes and cocktails. I am been trying to explore more of the Shaw food scene and this spot was on my list. El Techo sits above Rito Loco. For food, I had the Three Birria Tacos. These were so delicious that I ordered it again. For snacks, the Yucca were tasty. I also ordered Yucca nachos but I did not like it as much because the fries became soggy. For drink, the Passion Fruit Mezcalita was my favorite. It was refreshing, sweet, fruity and balanced. Overall great food, drinks and serive. Would recommend! read more

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Love the hospitality, food and drinks were really good. Have to come for the brunch. Music was a vibe. Angelo was the best..

Whew - make sure you book a reservation as soon as you think you want to visit. This spot is quite busy and walk-ins were being turned away left and right while I visited on a Saturday evening. I'm not sure if the reservation protocol is stringent due to the COVID capacity restrictions or if it was enforced before the pandemic but either way, book online before coming. The food is pretty good. The fried avocado tacos were loaded, I enjoyed every bite. The birria tacos are tasty. I look forward to another visit to try more of the menu options. The shining star for me was the service. All servers and the bartenders were so nice and full of energy. The location itself is lively and the experience inside is just as electric. Leo was friendly and was selling the experience for sure. He was busy navigating the walkway and stairs while making sure I was okay and sharing that even if I got carry-out (due to lack of seating), the food would make me come back. Ezekial was so fun to talk to and his pride in El Techo was catchy. I went with his recommendation to try the fried avocado taco and the birria tacos. The interior is gorgeous. It was smaller than I expected so I'm not sure how maneuverable a brunch would be here but there is decent seating to have a small party if desired. The owner made sure to stop by and hear about our experience which was a great touch. Overall I see why this place is so popular, it's a nice spot with beautiful atmosphere and you get some good food and drinks while there - stop by (with a reservation) if you're interested. read more

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Visited on a Saturday for the brunch - it can be somewhat challenging to find because its located right above Rito Loco. Make sure to make reservations because they get packed on the weekends. Reservation are for 2 hours of time. I loved the decor and the atmosphere was really fun and vibrant. We had the guacamole, the chicken quesadillas, birria tacos, margaritas and mimosas. The guacamole was great (as you can see I forgot to get a picture before we started digging in lol)! A must have! The birria tacos were just were pretty good and the quesadilla were very tasty and clutch - will definitely be back for them. The margaritas were too sweet for my taste but the mimosa did what needed to be done. Overall I enjoyed the atmosphere, food and drinks enough to want to return for more. Definitely a place to add to the list. read more

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Mike is the man! He looked out for us in the best way. Hot ass weather and crowed space - he still did his thang and gave us the fan & got us out the way. Tacos slapped literally so good. Drinks slapped mikes signature is the spicy marg.. Excequiel held it down with the personal AC & Gabe looked out too bringing the vibes. Great customer service and genuine vibes. This from the heart. we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Thank you El Techo! read more

El Techo - Drinks - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My cousins and I came to celebrate a birthday on chili night we were seated & dined on the gorgeous garden like enclosed rooftop. The menu includes but not limited to tapas and entrees, so the 5 of us decided to to order a bunch of food and do it up family style. Food an service was excellent! Everett the manager and Jorge our server were both very funny, hospitable, and welcoming. Definitely planning to return for brunch or to try their Paella soon! read more

El Techo - Tapas Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Pretty close to the metro stop, El Techo is a decent spot for dinner or brunch. We did a bottomless and the drinks were great. I got a plate of tacos which were slightly underwhelming for the price but still delicious. We went on a rainy day and the roof was leaking on us a bit but the hostess moved us from a worse spot so that was nice! read more

This is one of those places that had great vibes, deviations and environment at the expense of the food. That's fine as long as you know what you're getting yourself into but wouldn't come to this place for the food specifically. If you do come I'd recommend sticking to tacos and happy hour drinks. Overpriced mexican food that you could make in your kitchen read more

HIGH ENERGY OUTDOOR DINING. Super fun place with really tasty Mexican food. You can't go wrong with ordering the O.G. Bowl. The tacos are solid here as you'd expect. The Spicy Mezcal Margarita is really special. Really enjoyed with Carne Asada which was grilled just right... not overcooked. The great friendly service from our server Aslin made the experience even better. If you like lively atmospheres you must check it out! read more

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This is a cute bar restaurant down the block from the Howard theater. Went on a Saturday night after a show with a group. It was up the stairs on the side of the building. Standing room only. Our orders were taken right away. Food was delivered quickly. This place has a fun vibe. Music was jumping. Nice fun crowd. Will return again. read more

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Mmm. The decor and ambiance is nice. The margaritas (regular/lime) was not good at all, it tasted like the smell of mop water.. or some weird after taste. Stick the mango! The Mango margaritas was decent, i guess I ordered three tacos.. i got an Al pastor (it was so good!!) a shrimp (i did not like it) and a ground beef (never again will i order a ground beef taco, I'll just stick to making my own). They service was ehh definitely could've been better. They lost my friend debit card but found it after a while. This was a one and done.. i don't think I'll come back anytime soon or at all. read more