Ok. Let's just get some simple truths out of the way on the front end of this post.
1. Tacos are the greatest food on earth.
2. If you don't like tacos, you can't be my friend.
3. There is no way for me to accurately tell you what the "best" taco place in Northern Virginia is because the heavenly people that create these magical little things each put their unique spin on it and their fans would go blue in the face defending their favorite taco and taco joint.
And because of point number 3 above, I'm just going to focus on some of my favorite places to get tacos and you can chime in under the comments section to add to the conversation. Because if you tell me about a place I don't know about...I will love you, I will go there, and I will eat their tacos.
Mama Tigre - Oakton
There's nothing else like this place. Indian-infused Mexican fare...everyone, get on the Mama Tigre bus and I'll drive us all to Taco Paradise! Now, pretty much everything at Mama Tigre is a feast for the senses, but if you want a signature taco that will leave you wanting more, don't sleep on the Chicken Tikka Tacos. The Chef specialty of char-grilled chicken tikka folded into a naan bread taco and topped with toasted cheese, avocado, pickled onions, and cilantro-mint crema is a unique taco buy in the area. Going beyond tacos? Spring for the Lamb Birria...this masterpiece is sauced with Jalisco-style stew and served with seasoned basmati rice, onions, cilantro, tajin cucumber and naan bread for dipping. It's on the House Special section of the menu for a reason.
Taco Bamba - Falls Church & beyond
I was blessed to live near Taco Bamba's original location in Falls Church. So I went there. A lot. When I walked in for the first time, I achieved a sense of cosmic food serenity I had never felt before - I was in some sort of Taco Shangri La! I have tried many of their tacos but my go-to is the El Gringo...because, ultimately, that is what I am. They also have locations in Vienna, Springfield, Herndon, Fair Lakes, and Fairfax.
El Tio - Falls Church & McLean
I happened upon this place by (happy) accident. I was hungry, had driven past it a million times, and felt hangry for a taco (or five). So I went in, was enamored by the bar, had a seat, and ordered the fish tacos. Touchdown! The crusted tilapia hit the spot and kept bringing me back for more. A bonus is that the Falls Church location is just a stone's throw from Settle Down Easy Brewing Company and you can even get their food catered into the brewery while you tend to your beer. (Or just order one from the in-brewery taco stand!) Doesn't get much better than that! El Tio also has a location in McLean.
bartaco - Reston and Merrifield
Sporting locations in Reston Town Center and Mosaic District, this is one of my go-to joints! I mean, they're all about tacos and tequila and there's nothing about either of those things that I don't love. The last time I went, I felt a little adventurous and sophisticated...so I glanced at the menu and I knew what would fit that mojo I was feeling. 3 duck tacos, please. An hour after I knocked those out, my mouth was still craving that taste. Highly endorsed choice by yours truly.
Red Rocks Cafe and Tequila Bar - Centreville
If tacos were an animal and you had to guess where they lived in the wild, my advice to you would be to look for where the tequila is. I guarantee you will find a herd of tacos nearby. Went here for tequila...found memorable tacos. Now, I've learned a couple of things in my life. ***FREE ADVICE: When you're at a bar and don't know what to order and you ask the bartender what's good, listen to what they say. When I asked that question here, the bartender told me the burgers were delicious but so were the fried beef tacos. "Uhhhh...I'd like 6 fried beef tacos, please" was my response. I. Ate. Them. All. I don't know what kind of sour cream sauce creation these things are topped with, but I am officially in love and in need of counseling because I can't get them off my mind. If you're in Centreville, go here.
Señor Ramon Taqueria - Chantilly & Reston
I was feeling a bit adventurous when I visited this place in Chantilly for the first time. And since generally in life I'm risk-averse, my idea of getting wild is trying a new type of taco. So I got all crazy and ordered their Cordero, the lamb taco. Now, lamb is one of those meats that is polarizing. People either love it or hate it. And the people who love it are constantly reminded by the people who hate it about how cute lambs are ... while they give you the side-eye. Well, the haters can keep on hating, and I'll keep on loving lamb tacos because these hit the spot! They also have a location in Reston.
Taco Ssam - Annandale & Falls Church
Okay, so I love Korean BBQ and love tacos (as we know), so Taco Ssam had to be included in this list with its beautiful blend of flavors - from the vibrant tastes of Mexican street food to the comfort of a Korean home-cooked meal. You can stick to the classics with the Birria Tacos (which comes with its own consommé soup) or the Al Pastor taco topped with pineapple bits. For those craving something with a twist, look at the Korean fusion section of the menu to try their Bul-go-ki with grilled kimchi or the Pork Belly and please save your "YUM" for the end of the meal. Visit their Annandale or Falls Church/Bailey's Crossroads locations.
I know there are some of you out there who are upset I didn't name your favorite taco place. And that's okay. There are dozens and dozens of awesome places here in Fairfax County making tacos that probably would've made my list had I personally known about their taco talents. So tell me in the comments section where I should go next and share your favorite place (and taco type) with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
