Great Mexican food! When I am missing good tacos like I had growing up in Southern California this is the place

I guess the food is okay here, but I'm not lovin' on Costalilla. The most recent time I was here, I noticed that they had crossed out all the prices on the menu with a black magic marker. You only find out the prices when they ring you up. And when you see the total, you better have some nitroglycerin tablets handy if you have a heart condition. They don't have a website and if you want to order take-out online, you will have to download software to access their ordering partner, which I was not about to do. Usually, the counter help is friendly and helpful. But the last time I was here, there was a short blondish girl who is flat out mean and unfriendly. read more

I really love the tacos here. They are fast, friendly and delicious. Tables could be cleaned a bit better but also nothing a napkin wont do if you wipe it yourself. Self serve, onion, cilantro and salsa, lime radish bar. The guacamole was fresh and soooo good. Fresh chips fresh everything . Even their cevichr uere is really good. Never really a bad dish. read more

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- good quality tacos, lots of meat always - wish we could get better ways to transport the cilantro, lime, and radishes other than the tiny cups for salsa - love their pupusas - fast - small and only like 4-5 tables but i never had an issue getting a seat read more

This place has the best burritos in town. I recommend their carnitas burrito. And you have to try their salsas. I can't decide which I like more, the red or green? There's two green ones, I tried the one that looks like it has a hint of avocado. Both salsas are really good. The service is ok. They're not super friendly but they are quick and efficient. Give them a try the next time you're craving authentic Mexican food. read more

Great authentic Mexican food at a good price. Only suggestion is to add more options on the salsa bar.

I love these tacos! I get the birria with its delicious caldo on the side for dipping and their chicken tacos. Their toppings are exactly the toppings I enjoy on a taco. The he only thing that would make it even better is of the offered sliced cucumbers along with the rest of the tacos.i also wish they offered tinga style chicken tacos. Their hot sauce is so good! The ladies at the register are always nice and friendly. read more

came here in an awful mood after rear ending somebody. left in a great mood, this place slaps.

This is a true whole in the wall. It's on a little strip dedicated to worldly food grocery stores (and easy to miss so keep your eye out) I felt like I walked in to a family's cookout which was a good thing! (Meaning it doesn't feel gentrified). I took a quick look at the menu but it doesn't have prices. I advised the waiter I wanted 4 tacos; 2 carne asada and 2 pastor however I like my pastors to be fatty so she let the cook know. I waited maybe six minutes before my food was fresh out the window. I loved how they served everything on paper plates (gave me a home-like feeling). They have all the sides you need off to the side for you to dress up your entree how you like. I sat down and listened to telémundo in the background and devoured my tacos and pineapple agua fresca. I spent $14! read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Crane asada and al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

They aren't even open when they're hours say they are and the place has no sit down eating. Take out only. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Closed on Sundays I guess.... Their hours say open but it's 6pm on a Sunday and they are locked up. - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Tacos are delicious! Ordered two pierna de cerdo tacos. They were served piping hot and extremely juicy with great flavor. I ordered a carnitas quesadilla and it was extremely good too. I have not tried the burritos yet but assume they are just ehh (probably because it is filled with rice, but not sure), because there are no photos of burrito filling. Tacos are worth a try! read more

I think all Mexicans can collectively agree that this place is AUTHENTIC. No exaggeration, I don't know any spot in this area that has better tacos. I've tried many and it's hard to find. I've tried their tacos al pastor, my favorite. The steak tacos were my least favorite last time I went but I'd try them again. Their Sopes are good too and big! Their torta was filling and had everything it needed. The rice is fluffy and so darn good. I can't speak for anything else. Their fresh juices are really good too! My only complaint is the sauce bar. There is a clear sign in BOTH English and Spanish to WEAR GLOVES and absolutely no one does. When I use gloves I still get sauce on them so I can only imagine how many times people without gloves that get sauce on their fingers and it drips back in... It's not in the best area, that whole little street can become a hassle but it doesn't stop me from eating there twice a week. The prices can't be beat either. Absolutely everyone has been so kind. Super homey! read more

Great authentic tacos. Go early to get the best selection. Has a condiment bar that has cilantro, lime, onion, and 3-4 kinds of hot sauce. The green sauce is to DIE for! read more

I been coming to this restaurant for the past 3 days ! My favorite is the carne asada tacos ! I pair it with rice and beans on the side. They rice and beans is chef kiss !! I can just come here and that side all day long. I pair this nice with with a can coke everytime Nice lady's Great service and ambiance. I haven't had a disappointment read more

Looking for good authentic tacos?! This is it! We got the carne asada tacos and we were able to put unlimited topping at the sauce station (not sure what it's called but it was a section that was open to put whatever you like on your food). The meat was tender and tasted better with the green salsa! There was a short wait and seating was first come first serve bases. Ambiance was casual. I appreciated how clean the restroom was! And there was ample parking available. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Carne asada tacos - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Authentic delicious food for a great price. It's unassuming but I would recommend for a lunch.

Absolutely delicious, authentic Mexican food! This restaurant has quickly become my go-to place for Mexican! Highly recommend this spot!!

My sister and I went here for lunch. Her choice, it was her birthday. It was a small place, tucked away in a row of stores. We parked easily and walked in. You order at the counter and take a seat. They let you know when your food is 'up' and you go to the window to grab it. Jenna had to order. I don't eat meat and don't remember much from Spanish class. The menu was in Spanish and had pictures. I'm thankful for the pictures and ashamed I didn't know more Spanish. The food was delicious. The shrimp I had to completely peel myself but I admit I was warned. I was all in. I definitely would have gotten it again. My sister enjoyed her meal as well. This place was authentic, reasonably priced and a place we'd recommend to all and visit again if we are ever in the area! read more

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I went to college in DC and after four years of searching I had found very little in the way of solid authentic Mexican food in the DMV. So I was thrilled when I found this absolute gem when traveling in the area with my girlfriend. This place is authentic down to the art on the wall and makes me feel like I'm back in the Mission in San Francisco. Tacos are incredible and reasonably priced. Same for the burritos which are hefty and well filled. Empanadas we're solid and sides were on point. My only critique is that the burritos could be rolled tighter and could probably lose the lettuce. If you are in the area you need to check this place out. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Al Pastor Burrito and Carne Asada Taco - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Looking for authentic and fresh tacos? This little Hidden gem is perfect for price and taste! Clean, courteous and delicious. I would have given them a 5 plus but it's a hole in the wall and you may think it. Luke t be good but it is! I left my phone in the car and didn't get a chance to take Any pics but I will return and do so! read more

I ate here recently and am still on the fence. The food was fine, but also not great. I ordered the carne asada tacos which came with the tortillas and meat. That's it, just the tortillas and meat. Typically, the onion, cilantro and maybe a splash of guac would be included, but not on the tacos I received. Had I not picked up some salsa and cilantro, the tacos would have been just meat and tortillas. The carne asada did have a good flavor. I also ordered a rolled chicken dish, I can't remember the name of the dish at the moment, but it was simply rotisserie chicken deep fried in a flour tortilla. No other filling inside, which surprised me. Some other restaurants may call those flautas. That dish came with rice and beans, which I liked. I also ordered a pork tamale which was adequate at best. The size of the tamale was bigger than expected, but the masa just didn't seem "homemade". The staff was friendly, but the business itself was quite warm. Honestly, I don't know if I will go back. I just don't know!!! read more

food and service was great. the restaurant itself was a bit too warm. but clean prices vary but it's reasonable read more

amazing food I finished the whole plate of carne asada very nice people as well and they aren't stingy with the food!! they give great amount of food to fill you up ! they accept cash and accept pay :) I would come back but thing is I'm from nyc so it was a one time experience I enjoyed and will always remember!!!:) (I was only in the area because I was dropping off 2 skids for costco) read more

Great tasting authentic Mexican food. Fresh and hot. However, a side of rice and beans on a paper plate = $8.00?!?? Ridiculous.

I like tacos, but I never consider them as a meal; for me they are only a good snack. I avoid Taco Bell because I always leave hungry. When I was much younger at home when tacos were the meal, if you were late, the only thing left would just be the fixings. Ok, enough about me. My review will now focus on the food. Everything that crossed my lips was delicious . The flavors of the meats were great, well seasoned and tender. I really enjoyed the chorizo, and carne asada. My wife felt that the beef tongue was the best. The service was good, the ordering was easy. The atmosphere was busy, but not noisy or loud. The seating is tight so in 30 minutes or less you should be in and out of the restaurant. I was impressed with how clean the bathroom was. The counter and area for the fixings is tight and only one at a time if you want to be polite. They have a container that holds ketchup on the counter and from afar the packages look like sauces from Taco Bell! But, of course, they were not. The location is in a busy section of route one, with many stores and shops. If you blink you can miss it. It's not visible directly from the street, the parking is frightening . The signage in the parking lot states that you only have 30 minutes, and that towing is enforced. I liked my meal. I also tried their pupusas and they were delicious . I got full, after 5 tacos! So I'll go back! read more

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Drove by this place for years and only stopped after a recommendation by a family member. Took my family for authentic tacos one week night, and the place was nearly empty except for one other family. All the tacos were fresh and delicious. We especially liked the carnitas taco but all were great (birria, carne asada, al pastor). Meat on tacos was very plentiful. They have a little bar set up to get your taco toppings and sauces. Will definitely be back! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE!! The food is great! Especially the Al Pastor tacos. My favorite! My husbands fave is the Tripa tacos. Nit picking reviewers who give a 3 for the fact that it doesn't have "full entrees" is nuts. The food is so inexpensive, you wouldn't expect that from a place that only charges $2.99 for a taco! read more

I ordered 4 tacos and a glass bottled coke . The tacos came out fast , hot and were great ! The meat was tender and fresh . They have a small side bar that has fresh cilantro, onions, limes, radishes, green and red sauce etc . The Green sauce is my favorite. The dining tables and floor was clean and well lit . They have a menu in the store with all options available . I will definitely be going back read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Taco menu - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Best tacos I have had in Nova. El pastor and chicken were both right on point Very friendly staff and quick service. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Staff was nice and welcoming. Ordered some asada sopes but they were okay which is why I'm giving it a 3, ate all of it but the flavor wasn't like amazing. The best sopes I've had were from La Jarochita they also make them bigger. These were okay but I don't think I'd get them again. I also got an horchata and at the first sip I tasted the mix that's like a syrup they used. read more

I'm not really impressed as I heard about it too much and had much higher expectations!! It's ok! Still my favorite is La Jarochita in Manassas! When it comes to Authentic Ethnic Eats , I can let it go with unfriendly service, and not speaking English but only if your food is really exceptional ! The menu is easy , clear and English! Which is good! They kept calling my order in Spanish and I didn't know it's for me ! It took us long time to figure it out! LOL I liked the food very much by the way! But the Carne Asada was a little hard and not easy to chew! Nice toppings on the bar but doesn't include Pica de gallo like La Jarochita in Manassas and also wasn't really fresh! I wanted to try their version of the Flan but it wasn't available! Disappointing! They have a huge selection of Mexican soda products! Next time I'll try the non alcoholic Sangaria!! I'll go again if I'm in the area! But I don't think I'll ever drive especially for them again! Finally I'd say, Go try it and pray for me! Lol yeah people!! It's still 4 stars out of 5!! ;) read more

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Really love this taco spot , Really authentic. They make fresh Aguas Frescas too! Like cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberry, marañon, all very delicious! It does get busy around lunch time so plan accordingly lol. read more

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Definitely a cut above. Authentic Mexican tacos for sure. I tried five different tacos and all had good flavor. I'd have to say the al pastor was the best one I had. This spot is official. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - a close up of a taco - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

A pretty good spot to get some good authentic Mexican food. Today I craved some tamales so I ordered chicken and pork. They tasted really good for a Sunday morning. The place is close and because of covid there is no dine-in. They accept credit card and speak both Spanish and English. I would return. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

My 100th review goes to Tacos El Costalilla! What a milestone, haha! So I've been eating here for a little over a year when I'm hungry and don't have anything in particular in minds... because tacos are always a good idea, especially authentic street tacos! I usually order al pastor, birria (goat), and lengua, but have recently started ordering pork and cheese pupusas and/or ceviche as well. The al pastor and birria tacos are excellent! No complaints! Recently, I tried their cabeza (beef head) taco which I didn't really care for. The meat was under seasoned, so the fat and cartilage flavor really stood out and I couldn't seem to mask it with lime or cilantro. The pupusas are delicious and perfectly cheesy, served with the usual cabbage and salsa. The ceviche is also pretty good and served with a tostada. There is a large toppings bar complete with diced white onion, cilantro, radish, pickled jalapeño/carrots/onions, and various salsas. The tacos are a bit pricey-- $2.25 each-- but there aren't many good taco places this far up (closer to the DC side) on Route 1, so it's definitely a solid option. read more

**Requisite disclaimer: I'm from southern California, so I'm generally grouchy about tacos anywhere on the East Coast.** Sometimes, when you wander far from home, you need a little taste of comfort. For me, that's ALWAYS been tacos, so my judgment includes a mix of emotion and objective views on the quality of food. Tacos El Costalilla fills that need, although perhaps not quite as well as Tortas y Tacos La Chiquita in Arlington. The place is small and has the quintessential SoCal taco shop vibe. Aguas frescas are prepackaged in cups instead of being in the big dispensers, but other than that, the feel is right. The tacos are $2.20 each, with plenty of meat options. The al pastor, cabeza, and carne asada are all solid, and they also have good lengua (but these cost $3 each). Tripa, buche, chorizo, carnitas, and other meat options are available. The seafood is decent. They also have some other items - pupusas (eh, they were okay), wings, fries, burritos, etc. But honestly, their tacos are their strength. On weekends, they have menudo and posole, but I haven't had these enough here to judge their merits. Drinks include the aforementioned aguas frescas (horchata, pina, tamarindo, etc), as well as Jarritos and a few other things. There's a salsa bar with cilantro, onion, jalapenos, radishes, and 2-3 salsas. Seating is a few tables in the front and a long bar that goes towards the back of the restaurant. It does get pretty busy in here, and they do a brisk takeout business as well. Am I happy when I leave here? Absolutely. Is it exactly SoCal? Not at all, but it does help give me that warm, fuzzy feeling of nostalgia. read more

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Been coming here for almost ten years never been disappointed food always good I wish they would serve beer read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Had to get my tacos fix - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Holy guacamole!!! I live for authentic street tacos and happened to stumble upon this little taco joint. One bite and I fell in love! For $2.50 each, you can get a delicious, flavorful, savory taco. The tortilla was perfectly steamed but slightly crisp on the edges, the meat was bursting with flavor, and topped with just cilantro and onion. It was not too greasy or juicy like some other places can be. I ordered 3 tacos: the chorizo, carne asada, and al pastor. Couldn't tell you which was my favorite because they were all delicious!! I wish this place was closer to where I lived but I may make the drive back out just for them. 5/5 for sure. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Tacos: Carne asada, chorizo, al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great food quick service! Excellent‼Chorizo Taco & chicken Tacos. The place is a bit out of the way but we'll worth the drive. read more

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Fresh tortillas, generous meat portions and a self-serve toppings bar... what more can you want out of a taco shop? This hole in the wall spot is located in a strip mall off of Route 1 next to Ross. The restaurant itself with small, but we were able to get seating for our group of 7. If you're not in the mood for tacos, they also serve empanadas, burritos, pupusas, menudo, quesadillas, ceviche and tortas. The prices are fair and they accept credit cards. The ingredients are fresh and the toppings are as generous as you'd want it to be. Our orders came out in a timely matter, but since we had a large group, it was a little confusing as to who had what (since they just called them out at the same time) but we were able to figure it out. I had a great experience here and would like to come back again when I'm in the area. read more

Tacos El Costalilla - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia