Where Are The Best Mexican Restaurants In Virginia, DC?

MANASSAS, VA — We may have already celebrated National Taco Day earlier this month — although, really, when isn't it a good day for tacos — but the foodie website The Daily Meal has just released its rankings of the best Mexican restaurant in every state plus The District. The eateries recognized serve much more than tacos, from tasty chicken mole to homemade salsa to a fusion of traditional recipes from Mexico mashed-up with American tastes.

In order to find the best Mexican restaurant in every state, the editors checked their previous rankings, with city editors from across the country, reviewed local rankings, and researched review sites "to see which ones got the highest marks from in-the-know locals. We then judged each contender on quality of ingredients, skill in preparation, level of local renown, and authenticity. Some “fusion” was acceptable, but a focus on being as authentically Mexican as possible was key. We also gave humble taquerias the same consideration as fancy sit-down places and boisterous cantinas," Daily Meal says.

In Virginia, the title of Best Mexican Restaurant goes to Taqueria Tres Reyes, 8562 Mathis Ave. in Manassas. The Daily Meal says of the venue's food: "The unassuming Tacos Tres Reyes in Manassas is completely off-the-radar – or, at least it was until The Washington Post’s Tim Carman deemed it worthy of a pilgrimage back in 2003. The fare here is essentially flawless, perfect representations of down-home Mexican cuisine. Huaraches, chiles rellenos, crisp gortitas, chicken mole enchiladas, cemitas, tacos, tortas, roast chickens, soups, fried fish, coctel de camarones, barbacoa, cecina, carne asada … Tres Reyes is like a greatest hits of the most legendary Mexican dishes, and each one hits the nail right on the head."

What's your go-to spot for great Mexican food in Maryland? Tell us in comments below.

The phone number is (703) 335-6663.

BEST IN DC

No surprise that the best Mexican venue in DC is Oyamel, 401 Seventh Street NW, run by celebrity chef Jose Andres. Of it, Daily Meal writes: "Spanish chef José Andrés is renowned for his dedication to learning other cultures’ cuisines. As he noted in 2013: 'It was the galleon ships of Spain’s King Philip II that connected these two worlds hundreds of years ago. Those Spanish ships allowed for an exchange of foods, dishes, stories, and traditions.” He spent time in Mexico before opening Oyamel in 2004. Meals start as they should — with complimentary salsa and chips, made fresh and fried daily. Continue with antojitos (“the little dishes from the streets”), papas al mole, and tacos with handmade tortillas, especially chapulines — the Oaxacan specialty of sautéed grasshoppers — if you dare."

The restaurant's website says it originally opened in 2004 in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, then Oyamel moved to its current home in the Penn Quarter in March of 2007.

"At Oyamel, José Andrés and his team combine Mexico’s rich regional diversity with the vibrant urban atmosphere of Mexico City," says the restaurant website. "The liveliness of the dining room is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos—Mexican small plates—ceviches and tacos, plus unique margaritas, and an impressive array of wine, tequila and mezcal."

According to its website, Oyamel is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The restaurant's phone number is (202) 628-1005 and it's email address is info@oyamel.com.

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