I've finally found my favorite taco truck!!! Pa' Tacos El Papi is located on Columbia Pike & Jefferson, right in front of a residential building on a side street. It's not easy to miss, as you'll see a nice long line of loyal patrons. The menu is short and sweet, offering 6 different types of tacos: Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Pollo, Mixto (chorizo and asada), Lengua, and Chorizo. I tried the Carne Asada, the Pollo, the Mixto, and the Chorizo - they all come in a slightly-fried, double-layer of corn tortillas, filled with a generous amount of juicy & tasty meat, and topped with diced white onions (I opted out of cilantro); it also comes with a side of lime and sliced radish (they're already seasoned!), and cups of green and habanero sauce. My favorite was the Mixto and the Carne Asada, the Mixto having that nice salty kick from the chorizo, but still not having to miss out on those carne asada chunks; the hubs was a fan of their Al Pastor. That red habanero sauce? MAN! While it was hardcore spicy, it was super flavorful and yummy and added a great kick to the tacos. We were such huge fans that we shoved them all in our mouths and finished in about 5 minutes, and then went back to get ANOTHER round of tacos AHAHAHA Mr. Luis and Mr. Gabriel were both sooo unbelievably professional, oh-so-sweet, and very detail-oriented; they both made sure that everything was satisfying (which it totally was!)! Just note that this is cash-only. Definitely check Pa' Tacos El Papi out - if you're craving for authentic, delicious, addicting tacos, check them out - you won't be disappointed!!! :D +Mixto taco +Carne Asada taco +red habanero sauce +ask for Mr. Luis and Mr. Gabriel :D +cash only +limited curbside parking in front of residential area read more

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So, I drive by this taco truck every single day after work for the past year. Finally got to try it and I wish I would've tried it sooner! Super friendly guys, simple menu, and delicious tacos. You can't go wrong. I tried the beef, chicken, and pork tacos. $2.50 per taco. Each taco is doubled taco and comes with cilantro and onions. Radish, cucumber, and lime on the side. Red and/or green salsa to choose from. This is dangerous to my diet now... since I know how good they are and how close it is to my place. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Same owners as the famous El Chilango. Cheaper prices at only $2 per taco. The people were very friendly and happy much like the original truck. Ingredients seemed fresh. Just the chicken was cubed and very bland. Reminded me of Taco Bell. Not feeling it. Sucks that there's no veggie option. I'll have to swing by to try one of the other 5 flavors. But honestly, if you're solely in the taco business and only have like 6 varieties, you don't have much leeway to serve mediocre products. A minimal menu usually means more attention and care invested into each item. So the fact that I didn't like a pretty basic style taco at a taco truck is unfortunate. But for the overall clean appearance, friendly service, and me only trying one menu item, I'll give them a chance to impress me in the future and give a rating of 3. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Chicken taco. $2. Bland. - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Fire fire fire , the best you're gonna get to LA tacos ! I've looked everywhere for some like this and I finally found it !! read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Taco truck - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I stumbled upon this place when I was around the corner and saw it on Yelp, and managed to get there within 20 minutes of closing. Tucked away on a small but visible side street off the Pike, this place is a winner. They were out of the pollo tacos when I visited, which was disappointing, but the $2 carne asada tacos were definitely pleasers. The tortillas were perfect--neither dry nor greasy--and they include two side sauces (I recommend the spicier orange hot sauce) for your palate's delight. I'm normally not a fan of cilantro (read: I LOATHE cilantro) but I said yes to cilantro on these tacos and was pleasantly surprised that it worked. That in itself makes this place great. Anytime you see Jarritos soda in the glass bottle, you know you're probably at an authentic Mexican establishment. They had my favorite flavor, mandarin. In short, two thumbs up. I'll be back! read more

With limited food options within walking distance of my office I decided to give Pa's a try after curiously walking past a few times and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The time was 11:30 am on a Thursday afternoon right after the truck opened. I was greeted by a friendly pair of gentlemen when I walked up and ordered 2 beef and 2 chicken tacos. After a little wait (10 minutes max) the tacos were ready and I hustled back to my office building. After the first bite I knew the 2 block walk was worth every step. The corn tortillas tasted fresh, the chicken was seasoned well (I think they read some previous reviews concerning the chicken) and the beef was tender. I ordered all the fixings so the tacos were piled high with cilantro, radishes, onion and cucumbers. All tasted fresh and paired well with the fresh lime. I highly recommend giving this truck a try as i will definitely be going back.. WEEKLY.. Editors Note: I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because this was my first time and want to try the tacos a few more times before giving them a 5 star rating... Also, It is a CASH ONLY establishment so stop at a ATM machine, theres a few in the area.. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - The Taco Truck at 11:30 am on a Thursday - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I literally drove from across town to get these tacos one day because they're so good. Really simple menu but the customer service is great and the tacos are delicious. read more

These tacos are simply amazing, so much so that our family literally goes out of its way just to head there to enjoy the authentic flavors that come through time and again with every single delicious bite. In a good way, fair warning, though. Once you try their tacos, be prepared to acquire a new food addiction! Worth the wait if ever dropping by to find tons of people eager to order, the food is as genuinely-authentic as it gets! With the meat done just right, the cilantro adding to the yumminess, a squeeze of lime, and the corn tortillas that nestle all the flavor, each taco promises not to disappoint. For those loving onions (excluding Yours Truly), that is a great option for folks as well! All of this is to say nothing of the other incredible selections and orchata, a cool beverage made fresh and available on special days when you're lucky! If I have any criticism of the food served at this truck, it is only that its unique selections are just available at this one location and not widely-available everywhere. For what it takes to get there, however, it has been well worth the journey for us! When going, ask for Gabriel, Luis, Daniel, and others. They'll take great care of you, and you'll leave, only wishing that you ordered even more to go! read more

I love tacos!!! Especially al pastor tacos!!! I've been here twice and I will be returning!!!!!! The guys are so nice! The tacos taste delicious and fresh! The sauces taste amazing too! read more

I was looking for a place to eat on my way to a meeting I saw the reviews and pictures online and I'm a sucker for some authentic tacos. Unfortunately I didn't bring cash with me so I had to go to my meeting but I definitely thought it was worth the drive back here for the tacos. They were absolutely delicious and if this place were closer to me or my work I would 100% eat here every day. read more

First, very important to note that this place is cash only and closes at 8pm. Location- Google Maps will take you across from where this place is. Its tricky, but this Food Truck is located at the S Jefferson Street and Columbia Pike intersection. Easiest way to access it is, if you are coming from Columbia Pike, by turning on Carlin Springs road and immediately turning into the small street parallel to Columbia Pike and from there driving to S Jefferson Street. Food- Overall this is my favorite taco place in Arlington. All their tacos are phenomenal. After a 5 minute wait the tacos come out fresh and full of flavor. The menu is simple: Asada, Lengua, Al Pastor, Pollo, Chorizo, and Mixto. All at $2.50 each and you can't go wrong with the Al Pastor and Asada. Service- These guy are extremely nice and happy to explain anything on their menu read more

This place is pretty tasty. Go for the green sauce. I've only had the chicken tacos but I'll probably be back to try some of the other meat choices. You can't beat the pineapple and tamarind sodas. Their horchata according to my roommate was pretty good too. Kinda making me want tacos after the gross Chinese I just had... Although I will say it's no El Chilango in Rosslyn. read more

This place is simply amazing. I felt like I missed out by driving past it for so long. Once I tried it, other tacos simply don't stack up. They are cash only, they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and the location is a little tricky to get to, but it is all worth it. The staff are awesome, giving assistance with their offerings. The price is unbelievable, usually ending up in me ordering more than we should. Eat on-site, or take to go, you cannot go wrong. Fresh ingredients, quality service, can't ask for much more!!! read more

This guy is amazing, great customer service, great tacos. Tall lean dude is the goat, rest of the staff is fine but not as good as him.

Authentic and delicious. Basic truck with tasty, if slightly greasy tacos. Really tasty and fresh.

This is one of the best tacos in the DMV area!!! I'm from LA I'm used to eating the authentic tacos you can find them here!!!! Their salsa's are delicious also they cook the meat as you order so it is always fresh. This place only takes cash no cards. Parking can be hard to find since it is street parking. Pastor and Asada are the best tacos!!!! read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - 2 asada tacos and 1 pastor (pork) and 1 chorizo taco( Sausage) - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

If you are looking for tacos like the good old California food trucks, look no further. Just like I remember.

Not only the best tacos in the DMV but also the best people. Just moved to the area and wanted to find the best local taco spot. We went around closing time and since they were closing up they offered to give us what was left for free. Amazing tacos and as authentic as they get. They gave us some mixto tacos and I believe one other kind. All amazing. Best tacos In all the DMV. I'm a customer for life! 10/10. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Mixto tacos and carne tacos - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I came here with my husband to try these tacos, let me start off by saying if you want bad service come here. My husband was unaware they do not accept card and when he ask if they do they yelled at him no. Then here is what the most disrespectful part is, the curly hair gentleman tells my husband "oh hold on let me se the card" then proceeds to get the car and literally I kid y'all not slides my husbands card on the cook's neck and gives it back to my husband. We wanted to try these tacos but just lost service. I do not recommend this place go somewhere else with better service read more

Place is legit and not going to lie good in flavor in the tacos. I've had asada and they are excellent in flavor. HOWEVER. The payment is only cash and if it wasn't for a known relative I would've not ate. Why are they accepting cash knowing everyone uses digital payment? Another downside is the location. You could find a decent spot Wednesday or Thursday but Friday thru Sunday are the worst not because of the clients that swarm up the area but the location . It's awl fully horrible to say the least. No parking what so ever and you never or hardly find decent parking. Another downside the the lack of food in ingredients! Whenever I go they are low on a menu item or the chopped jalapeños they add. They also need to add more taco variety such as adding tacos de tripa,carnitas or something different to add alittle more on the bland menu. Other than the things mentioned everything is good I would rate it a 5 but it needs improvement. read more

Are used to eat at the food truck and now they have their own little place I must say that their tacos and there are tortas Oh very good I recommend this place if you want authentic Mexican food. read more

Probably the best street tacos in the city. Very friendly chefs! The lengua was so tender and mild in taste, the asada had an amazing flavor and the mixta was just as amazing! Coming back with friends for more soon. Also, don't forget the homemade horchata. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Lengua, Asada, and Mixto tacos with horchata to drink! Yum!! - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I still can't believe all the times I passed this truck and said I should try that sometime. Well I finally did and can't stop going back. I would consider myself a taco aficionado. This place has the best tacos in the area. I just finished eating my Mixto, Al Pastor and Chorizo tacos.... I want more!!!! I am an addict for these tacos. They are made fresh and are extremely delicious! I have to think up an excuse to go back out so I can grab some more. read more

Maybe I'm a little pickier and harsher than other reviewers but I was disappointed by the tacos at Pa' Tacos El Papi. We ordered 6 tacos and I tried the Mixto, Lengua and Asada (my boyfriend ate the other 3). Personally, Mixto is not for me - so I'll throw that one out of the review for fairness. Lengua was the best of the remaining two but Asada was only okay. The Lengua was soft and nicely cooked, combined with lime and salsa = yum. Maybe food trucks are just not for me because it seems that every time I order from a food truck, they forget some crucial component of my meal or skimp out on everything. Considering that we were the only customers there at the time, you would think they would put a little thought into fulfilling a simple order or maybe this food truck just doesn't care about service and quality. The price is reasonable ($2.50 a taco) but they forgot my radishes, there were barely any cucumbers in the Ziploc baggie they gave us, and only gave us a lime wedge and half. For 6 tacos?? That's very little lime. I will say that the green salsa was very good but I will not be coming back. read more

Omg!! I love tacos but THEIR TACOS ARE BOMMMB! The fresh ingredients and seasoning is so good. I love street tacos aka REAL Mexican tacos. A must go! read more

Unfortunately you don't come across a lot of good taco joints in the DMV area. This place is one of a few that are the exception. If you're already in Arlington, I would highly recommend grabbing a few - three is the right number for me for a satisfying lunch. If you're closer to Falls Church / Tysons, Taco Bamba is just as good and I don't think it's worth driving the extra distance. Note that they apparently do not have the lengue/tongue on weekdays. Also note that Yelp's open time (at least for Friday) is off. They open at 11:30. I feel like you can't really go wrong with any of the meats. I got the asada, mixto and chorizo. Add a bit of red and green sauce and some lime juice and you're golden. read more

Best tacos in the area. 100% Mexican don't go anywhere else. Get their Habanero Sauce it is really good, and it's better when you eat them there! read more

You can't get closer to authentic tacos in Northern Virgina than This taco truck! These guys have the right sauces, the perfectly seasoned meat, the right toppings and the right corn tortillas (double layered of course). Try the carne asada and the chorizo...soo good! Tip/ bring cash! read more

I had three tacos - one lengua and two mixto (beef and pork sausage mixed). The lengua was cooked well - both crispy and soft. The mixto was good; it's salty enough on its own, so don't add any extra. They also offer green and red salsa. I usually like reds, but the green was my favorite there. Don't trust the Yelp directions. This amazingly authentic truck is on the corner of Columbia Pike & S. Jefferson St on the access road alongside Columbia Pike. read more

It's really hard to differentiate between each taco truck in Alexandria without eating it side by side. This place has great tongue and mixto tacos. Not as greasy as other places but flavor didn't stand out either. Definitely a very solid place to grab some cheap eats though. Friendly owners and service with a smile! read more

Found this hole in the wall food truck down the street from my house after me and my roommate were craving tacos. The pork tacos are simply amazing (5 stars) and very tasty, while the beef and beef tongue, I'd give 3.5 and 3 stars, respectively. Unlike the food truck next to the Food Star on George mason and Columbia pike, the corn tortillas were fresh and not greasy (and authentic according to my Mexican roommate). I also got the apple soda drink in a glass bottle which was pretty awesome as well. The one thing I found a bit odd was we decided to eat there and they reused plates that were wrapped in plastic food storage bags. Overall it was sanitary, but it just wasn't what I am used to. I'd definitely go back for more when they reopen on Wednesday but probably get it to go. The pork tacos at $2 each and sidral mundet apple soda make for a cheap and delicious fast food alternative. read more

Great little food truck located on a side road off Columbia Pike. On my quest to find the best tacos in the DMV area, this certainly is one of my top places. Rivaling even the tacos I had on my trip to Mexico! The staff are very friendly, and efficient; as one will see that sometimes they receive groups of time people at time. Definitely will be going again! read more

Awesome authentic Mexican tacos! I'm a big fan of the asada & al pastor, my boyfriend is into the chorizo & mixto. They have great salsa and don't skimp in the lime, radish & cucumber either. The guys that run the truck are super friendly & great, they even do call ahead for orders so you can just show up to the truck with your cash monies and get those tacos ASAP! This was our go to all summer when we couldn't decide what to eat and wanted to spend less than $20 between two people. Pretty much tacos on demand, what more could you want from life? read more

Amazing. I've been here a couple of times now and both times I found the food to be on point for what I would expect from a Taco truck. The favorites were the carne asada and the chorizo tacos. Both were perfectly seasoned and the chorizo had the right amount of spice to it. I'd recommend getting at least three tacos to satisfy your hunger. Parking is very tenuous in this area, there doesn't appear to be many if any legal parking spots in the immediate vicinity of the truck but don't let that stop you. Based on popularity, they may be out of certain items. Each time I was there Lengue/Tongue ran out. read more

I want to start off by prefacing that this review is based off of my last experience purchasing food from this food truck. A few years ago I visited their secondary location (at the time, not sure if that truck still sells there) with a friend. I went to place our order, in Spanish - I am full hispanic and speak Spanish fluently & clearly. That's pertinent because the male individual that was supposed to be taking my order looked me dead in the face and said "Yo no hablo chino", which literally translates to "I don't speak Chinese". At the time I didn't care to get his name, I just wanted to get my food and gtfo of that situation. But times have changed and that disgusting interaction was wrong then and I felt that it needs to be mentioned, I was not playing around with this man, he took my facial features and made a racist comment for no reason - nothing I did warranted that statement. Based off of a previous review, it's clear that childish and tone deaf individuals are employed within this small business of food trucks, this happened to me back then and it's clear the childishness continues now. That was my last visit, and I refuse to be a customer at an establishment that behaves and disrespects their customers this way. read more

Tonight we hosted an outdoor party for 40 people (including many foodies and world travelers who are very particular about tacos) and Gabriel at Pa Tacos El Papi catered the event graciously and professionally . . . and everyone RAVED about the tacos! He made the tacos fresh on the grill and they were outstanding. He moved quickly to a Plan B when it started to rain (moving food to warming pans indoors while he continued to cook under a canopy outside), which really saved the day. Gabriel was very responsive via phone and text leading up to the event, answering questions as they came up, and arrived right on time with everything exactly as promised. If you are thinking of hosting a large gathering, I cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

Pa' Tacos El Papi - Pa Tacos El Papi catered our outdoor party- perfection! - Food Trucks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Amazing tacos I got al pastor and they were amazing. My sister has been going there for a long time she loves every taco on the menu! Will definitely go back read more

By far the best tacos I have ever had. Everytime I visit my family in Alexandria, I hit this place up. Even if I didn't have family there, I would make the 3 hour trip for these tacos. Ingredients are incredibly fresh and the service is phenomenal. read more

My boyfriend orders tacos from here at least once a week, he is obsessed! I loved the tacos the first time I tried them, i never go anywhere else. Service is always friendly and quick. Love these guys! read more

I just have 1 thing to say REAL MEXICAN TACOS. If you are down for a good experience and some bad ass tacos this is the spot! Just like Mexico read more