Updated on July 26, 2024 by Julie McCool
Here are favorite places to enjoy tasty tacos in Northern Virginia restaurants, whether you want to grab some quick takeout, or relax with a sit-down meal. We crave those little handheld scoops of deliciousness, and we're always searching for new places to enjoy tacos in Northern Virginia.
These are some of our favorite restaurants near Washington DC to indulge in our taco obsession. Most of these shops also serve alcohol, so you can pair your tacos with a margarita. Try these local restaurants next Taco Tuesday or any day in Northern VA.
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Taco Bamba, Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, Springfield
Some of our favorite lunch tacos (and taco-nos) are created in Chef Victor Albisu's small, hip eatery in Falls Church. And the new and larger outposts in Vienna and Herndon are even more welcoming.
Grilled octopus, vegetarian Spicy Shroom, the Black Pearl with squid ink aioli—everything we order at Taco Bamba is really, really delicious. Every location has a few different taco combinations, so it's worth visiting all of them.
Señor Ramon Taqueria, Multiple Locations
Senor Ramon’s is one of our favorite Leesburg restaurants for tasty tacos in Northern Virginia. The casual downtown spot has a nice relaxed vibe. The Señor Ramon, Jose Jose, and TS 478 tacos are our favorites. More adventurous palettes might prefer the tongue and tilapia combo in the El Macho, and there are several vegetarian choices too.
Senor Ramon's also operates a takeout window in Sterling at Crooked Run Brewing (visit their two locations on the LoCo Ale Trail. Now that's a nice combination of craft brews and tacos in Northern Virginia!
Taco Zocalo, Reston
Chef Basir had been satisfying DMV taco cravings since founding his Chef on Wheels food truck back in 2012. Now you can enjoy those same authentic flavors at Taco Zocalo, near the Weihle Metro station in Reston.
We generally focus on tacos, but the menu also includes burritos and burrito bowls, chimichangas, and salads. Choose from over a dozen fillings for your well-stuffed tacos and burritos, including shrimp, fish, chorizo, barbacoa, chicken tinga, and more.
Fish Taco, Tysons
New in 2020, Fish Taco serves up delicious tacos in a small casual restaurant at The Boro in Tysons. The mixed-use development is a fun date night destination in Tysons with a luxury Showplace Icon Theater and a cool urban plaza.
Fish Taco began as a favorite local spot in Cabin John, opened two more locations in Bethesda, and then made its arrival in Virginia. We tried shrimp, blackened fish, barbacoa, and carnitas tacos and they were all excellent. The burritos, rice bowls, and quesadillas we spied on neighboring tables looked equally delicious.
Cerrito’s Pupuseria, Chantilly
Cerrito's serves delicious, low-cost food in a basic setting (or get it to go) and is popular with local workers. We love their steak tacos, and at only $2.00 each you can fill up on just a couple. Add a delicious pupusa to your order, or try one of the generous specials.
Tip: Be careful when you pull into the parking lot. The small gravel lot is peppered with potholes so use a little caution. The food here is well worth the effort!
Banditos Tacos and Tequila, Fairfax and Arlington
A fun vibe and funky decor set the stage at the new Banditos Fairfax, across the street from GMU. This large casual restaurant (formerly Brion's Grill) has booths and tables to accommodate groups of any size, and a wraparound bar ready to serve a crowd.
We sampled 5 of the taco options served with rice and beans and they were large enough to satisfy us both. We especially liked the Rus and Gus, with grilled shrimp and roasted onions. The margaritas were also a hit, especially the Spicy Rita served with a tagine rim and a nice kick. Special events and daily deals add to the fun.
Los Tios Grill, Leesburg and Alexandria
Another great option for tacos and Salvadorean food is Los Tios Grill in Leesburg and Alexandria. The prices are a bit higher than some Mexican spots, but the tacos and platters are fresh and tasty.
Tipicos Glorias, Herndon
Tipicos Glorias is one of those awesome cheap eats venues in an eclectic shopping plaza in Herndon. It is not fancy but offers an extensive menu of authentic, Central American food cooked with love.
We were lucky to grab one of a handful of tables during a busy weekend lunch. There are 5 taco choices, and we tried the chicken, pork, and steak. All were served with chopped meat, a nice amount of cilantro, red onion, and a slice of avocado in a double tortilla, with lime, salsa verde, and pico de gallo on the side.
They also make a nice cheese pupusa that reminded me of my childhood comfort food—grilled cheese and tomato soup—but with a lot more flavor.
bartaco, Mosaic District and Reston Town Center
Tacos at bartaco feature staples like baja fish, chicken, and carnitas plus more upscale ingredients like pork belly and tuna tatako. Veggie lovers will appreciate the portabello mushroom, cauliflower, and falafel options.
The tacos are small so you'll need to order a few to make a meal. Churros and chocolate are the perfect finish to your meal.
>> Read our full review of the upscale tacos and casual vibe at bartaco Mosaic District.
Ford's Fish Shack, Ashburn and South Riding
The hefty fish tacos at Ford's are on our regular lunch list, especially when paired with a blueberry Sea Dog beer. Those string fries are delicious too.
Megabytes Eatery, Chantilly
This quirky lunch spot in an unassuming Chantilly office park is one of our picks for casual dining in Northern Virginia. They had delicious fish tacos on special the day we visited. If the tacos aren't on hand, try the Mega Hot Banh Mi.
Zandra's Taqueria, Manassas
We have not eaten here yet, but Zandra's Taqueria in Old Town Manassas is on our list of taco restaurants to try. The cute and colorful outdoor seating area is tempting. The taco selection is broad, with everything from bison to Brussels sprouts plus traditional fillings like carnitas and chicken.
Picante Mexican Restaraunt, Chantilly
Update: Sadly, Picante has closed permanently after more than 30 years in business.
Tacos are a winning choice whether you're celebrating Taco Tuesday or it's just time for handheld yums. We hope this list of favorite places to get tacos in Northern Virginia will inspire your next outing.
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