Taco Bamba Shirlington

This is what I call GOOD FOOD!!! I imagine this is a place all locals know about. It's fresh, the…read morefood comes out quick, it's not overly spiced (where it makes your stomach unsettled) but it's full of flavor. I usually get al pastor tacos because I love the pineapple but my dad actually got the "Cabeza" one and yes.... That does mean "head" in Spanish. My mom goes "idk probably some part of the cows head" bc I was like okay but what do you mean???? Tbh it was so good I could have eaten 4 of just those. So, here's to trying different foods! It'll surprise you!

I'm Mexican and raised in east LA (visit the homeland every year if that gives me any credibility)…read moreand was raised on the street tacos. I moved to dc about ten years ago and have tried a lot of places and none of them any good. These were the best I've had in the DMV. Parking is terrible but if you get lucky you can park right next to the truck. They give you a free taco since it's your first time!

Al Pastor tacos

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Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

4.4(811 reviews)

1.5 mi•Columbia Heights

Haven't had a good burrito in a long time, this hit the spot. Very good salsa. Really nothing more…read moreyou can ask for in terms of menu, quality, and environment. Still will never be over the whole $4 a taco thing but it's unfortunately becoming more and more defensible.

I ordered 4 tacos to-go: Carne Asada, Carnitas, Pastor and Birria. The flavor was great (Carnitas…read morewas my least favorite), but everything was soaked in grease. Nice portion size for the price but I don't think I'll be back.

Inside

Lengua Quesadilla

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After spending $80 on your go to Mexican spot, who's happy about this presentation?

Taqueria La Ceibita

4.6(18 reviews)

1.5 mi

The pictures don't do its justice for how good and how well priced the food is. This has been one…read moreof my gems for 2-3 years already, it's right next to my home and it's very convenient when I'm feeling it. It's a well organized truck, seats for you to wait for your food, and nice welcoming service from the owner herself. I cannot recommend it enough.

Wow, that burrito surpassed my already very high expectations can't wait to come back and try the…read morebirria tacos. ¡Comida deliciosa y rica! ¡Muchas gracias, Nevi!

Chorizo and asada

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Menu and phone number

Tacos Los Primos

4.8(87 reviews)

3.6 mi•Rosslyn

Very popular lunchtime food truck. My family decided to stop here and enjoy the shaded Park and the…read moregood food that's served at this location. I don't have a food review. There was no vegan options and bc I need to lower my cholesterol numbers. I can't even enjoy a quesadilla right now. Maybe I'll try one in September after lab work.

I recently moved from Kent Island, MD to Arlington and I've slowly been checking out local food…read morespots to fill the a void I have with some places I miss back home. One such place was a Mexican place as my old fav Mexican place on Kent Island (Señors Chile) had great but extremely greasy birria tacos. So you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this food truck that read "Tacos Los Primos". The spot made me curious. So I went to visit a friend who lives in walking distance from the spot for lunch recently. She ordered the veggie burrito and I ordered (pic below) Quesabirria tacos (no onion). When we got back I was WOW'd by not only how yummy my food was but how it wasn't oozing with grease! The consume that comes with for dipping is just enough for me personally and bursting with flavor. As you'd expect from most food trucks the service is made to order. When you go up to the counter and tell them what you want they make it fresh! The truck is parked on Rhoside Green Park (sandwiched between Courthouse and Rosslyn) so if you live in either neighborhood it's easy to access from walking distance. And since it's near an Arlington green space there's usually some seating nearby you can pop a squat and eat lunch. Given spring time is approaching this seems more doable. Just yesterday I was driving by to visit the same friend and saw a long line for this place! Most people in Arlington know how great this spot is, it is a terribly kept secret! Can't comment much on how long the line was busted as I went during a time when it was windy (but warm) and it was mid day. When I drove by it was pushing dinner time past 7pm. I love the food here! But since I live closer to the storefront location in Lyon Park I usually end up ordering food from there (review on that location is coming soon)! If you like authentic Mexican food that's fresh and delicious, you'll enjoy this spot!

Birria tacos

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Taqueria Picoso

4.1(266 reviews)

2.1 mi•Beauregard

This place is the real deal! Chefs from a fine dining background in Mexico City, using Mexican…read moretechniques with the best DMV ingredients. They get the corn from Mexico and put it through the nitamalization process (look it up ) when they make their own tortillas for tacos and tostadas. I know all this because Tom and Lynn the proud owners told me, and I also had the privilege of learning about the methods from Chef Elio. The results say it all - I had three different tacos - barbacoa, fish, and al pastor. I also brought home the amazing red pozole and one of the best salads I ever had. All the food was fresh and delicious. The salsas are also scratch- made. The place is cute with a lovely patio. I need to come back for the margs!

I didn't get a picture of it but their margaritas are really good. Highly recommend! I ordered…read moreshrimp tostadas and elote. I wasn't really a fan of the corn tortilla base used for the tostada so I ended up putting the regular topping on the chips we ordered for the chips and salsa. Customer service was great. The person at the bar did a great job helping us. The place was clean and inviting.

6 year anniversary celebration

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Jarochita #2

3.8(115 reviews)

2.2 mi

Yesssssss! Finally Found an authentic Mexican spot…read more These are the best taco I have had in VA, even got to enjoy with a Modelo

No gasten su dinero este lugar el servico es pesimo y Nada que ver si quieres pozole este lugar no…read morevende nada bueno miren la foto esto es sopa de pollo con color y nada mas por $15.00

Store Front

Posole mexicano nada que ver

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Barbacoa, Shrimp, Chicken Tacos

Eli's Taqueria

4.6(40 reviews)

1.4 mi•Columbia Heights

Taco 10 /10 Price 10/10…read moreVibes 10/10 We danced we ate in we had happy hour . No to the frozen banana treat

I've always passed by this place without thinking twice, but gave it a try after falling in love…read morewith birria. You come here for the food and good price, not for the dine in experience. From the outside, the place looks underwhelming. It's an old building in between 2 restaurants I believe. I'm not sure how busy it gets here, but there is only about 5 parking spots too. The layout is weird, given that you have to walk upstairs. The bar and dining area is tiny like it's someone's house. There was loud music and some party lights, so it had a late-night local vibe to it. Service was normal, nothing special that stood out to me. The birria quesadilla was thick and cheesy. The tortilla was greasy but still firm, giving a little crunch feeling from it being freshly pressed. There was a good amount of meat inside, almost an inch. The consume was a bit small, compared to the amount of quesadilla I had, but it wasn't anything major. The birria taco tasted fresh with diced onions and cilantro. For $4, I think it was a decent price for the area. The meat was a little dry, especially since the taco didn't have cheese. I would definitely come back here to try the different meats for tacos and to get the birria quesadilla.

Elis food

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Taco Bamba Ballston

4.2(237 reviews)

2.8 mi•Ballston

First time visiting here in Oct 2026. The concept is simple, Tacos. Of course there are a few…read morevariations of food outside of that but the theme is as the name suggests. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The interior is small with not too many seats, but there is an outside patio for expanded seat options; however, it was raining when we went so inside seating it was for us. The salsa was delicious with a nice smoked pepper taste. We got the Morita. Very nice. For our tacos, there was a mix between Carne Asada, Birria, Carnitas, Pollo. All were tasty, though I would say they could have less liquid...they should've been drained as they soaked through the double tortilla transportation device. Would visit again.

I used to love this location, i was here all the time, they have some cool tacos you dont find at…read moreother locations and i would wax poetic about the Arabe (mmm spicy yogurt and shawerma spiced chicken) and Salim Abu Aziz (mmm grilled halloumi and spiced zucchini) and the jeneral (fresh ahi tuna in a cabbage cup), the carne picada (chefs kisses) i even enjoy their tortas (huge and a meal for 2), and their churros... but in the last 3 months, i have had issues with literally every order. every. order. some took over 40 min for 3 tacos (what??) i ordered burgers with no cheese b/c american cheese is gross and got a burger with 2 slices of it I dont understand what happened, was there a change in management? was there a long summer vacation for a cook in the back who really mattered? i dont know. i just know that i now have to check all my orders before i leave the store and without fail, there have been issues. a real bummer.

Interior of Taco Bamba Ballston with large mural featuring a red rooster, seating, bar seating, and high top seating.

Taco Bamba's B.E.C. Empanada is a breakfast staple packed with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese, inside a fried empanada she...

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Spiced Pork and Pineapple, al pastor taco served on corn tortillas and topped with sliced onions and cilantro

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita III

4.5(74 reviews)

3.0 mi•Virginia Square

What a great taco spot in the Virginia Square/Ballston area! Service is great and prices are…read morereasonable. The inside seating is comfortable and was not too crowded when we visited. We had an order of chips and queso, and each had 3 tacos. I believe we ordered Al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas - all of which we enjoyed and would order again. Overall: 8.5/10

The good- Nice indoor and outdoor seating available. There's a Taco Tuesday special. And there are…read morea ton of choices for food! I found the tacos I got so-so. The Asada, and pollo weren't the most flavorful. I enjoyed the pescado most. Today the bathroom was out of service and no tap water was available. I don't think that's always the case though!

Inside

Mango Mousse

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Torta Cubana

La Jefa

4.5(11 reviews)

2.0 mi•Seminary Hill

I hired La Jefa to cater my husband's 40th birthday party. I was looking for authentic, delicious…read moretacos and quesadillas. Not only was all of the food absolutely DELICIOUS, but Ericka and her mom were kind, professional, and easy to work with. We had Al pastor and Carne asada tacos, chicken, cheese, and carne asada quesadillas, and rice and beans. Everything was incredible. The quesadillas were huge and generously filled. All of my guests were blown away by the food and a few wanted their number to hire them for future events. I am so happy that I found them and would definitely use them again in the future! I still have dreams of the tacos Al pastor!!!!!

This place is legit. The truck was at a Fall Festival in Herndon. I ordered two chicken tacos for…read moremy wife and I. Before we even finished those two, I was back in line for another four. The food is delicious and the service was excellent. I highly recommend trying La Jefa

Chorizo Taco

Beef Tongue/Lengua Taco

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Abigail W.

Elite 24

2 years ago

I recently visited Taco Bomba in Shirlington, and these tacos were absolutely phenomenal! I tried the Taco Bamba and the Blackfeesh Taco, and both were bursting with creativity and flavor. The Taco Bamba was a true showstopper. The tender, seasoned meat was topped with crispy chicharrón, sliced red peppers, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese. The chicharrón added a delightful crunch and savory richness that perfectly complemented the spice from the peppers and the freshness of the herbs. Every bite was a perfect combination of textures and bold flavors. The Blackfeesh Taco was just as impressive. The rich, flaky fish was paired with creamy avocado slices, tangy pickled onions, and fresh greens. The balance of the hearty fish, the bright tang of the pickled onions, and the creaminess of the avocado made this taco feel both indulgent and refreshing. On top of the fantastic food, the service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The staff made great recommendations, answered all my questions with a smile, and genuinely seemed to care that I had a great experience. Their positive energy made the visit even more enjoyable. The tortillas were soft, warm, and clearly fresh, serving as the perfect base for these beautifully crafted tacos. Taco Bomba's attention to detail and inventive flavor combinations truly set them apart. If you're in Shirlington, Taco Bomba is a must-try! With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and exciting menu, it's the perfect spot for a quick, flavorful meal. I'll definitely be back to explore more of their creative offerings! read more

Khan S.

753

226

4229

2 years ago

Taco Bamba is Awesome! The food here is simply amazing. Each taco is bursting with flavor, from the perfectly seasoned meats to the fresh and zesty toppings. The menu offers a great variety, catering to both traditional and adventurous tastes. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a meal with friends. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Taco Bamba has quickly become my go-to spot for tacos. If you're in the mood for some mouthwatering Mexican food, this place will not disappoint! read more

Jenny M.

Elite 26

431

2564

2 years ago

The food was excellent! We tried the taco bowl, Taco Bamba's signature taco, and the barbacoa--everything was delicious. We're eyeing the breakfast burrito next, hoping it can rival our SATX favorite. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the place offers bar, outdoor, and indoor seating. It's a great spot to hang out for drinks and tacos, with a varied menu beyond just tacos. One downside: the tables were quite sticky and could use more frequent cleaning. Overall, a really great experience! read more

Leslie G.

2 years ago

Love all the tacos, salsas and ceviche. A little loud but otherwise a favorite. The churros are a perfect ending to the meal. Warning: the spicy chicharron was really spicy! read more

Taco Bamba Shirlington - tacos - Updated October 2026

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Guapos has changed so much!…read more The bar they've added near the entrance gets really loud! My girlfriends and I could barely hear each other and our waitress couldn't hear us either because she kept getting our orders WRONG! Anyhoo- we still made the best of our evening. Enjoying each other's company with some delicious pitchers of margaritas and food once she was able to get it right! The menu has also changed a bit and had a bunch of new offerings on there... The foods always flavorful and delicious! Happy Yelping!

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Wow, that burrito surpassed my already very high expectations can't wait to come back and try the…read morebirria tacos. ¡Comida deliciosa y rica! ¡Muchas gracias, Nevi!

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I would say they have the best breakfast burrito in the DMV area - or at least Alexandria. Tell me…read moreif you know another one as good. It was a steep price at $9 for a breakfast burrito that was simple, but honestly the best breakfast burritos are simple, and I know they have Alexandria rent prices to pay! Will be back to try other food items!

Don't plan on eating in the restaurant. It's small little place but the food was great. I just…read morehad the breakfast burrito and it was very good. Everyone on my team loved theirs as well. The service was perfect for the location. Had a lovely conversation with the kid who was working there. This is the type of small business I love to support!

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This guy's burritos are awesome.. I've gone back two or…read morethree times. Huge stuffed burritos, super tasty and fresh made........ I highly recommend checking this food truck out if you haven't already

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