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I stopped in here as I walked home from an appointment on H street because the music was great and the smells were even better. The ordering process was very easy. I picked a spot and was quickly approached by one of the several servers to place my order. I ordered two tacos, rice, and a beer. The food came within ten minutes and was hot. The vegan birria taco was delicious. It was a mishmash of veggies and tasted amazing. The fish taco was good, but the vegan option was my favorite. I had hoped the rice would be seasoned, but it was just white rice. The overall restaurant vibe was very fun with loud music. It was crowded but there were still several tables available. Checkout process was easy as well. A happy little find I will be sure to come back to.
Just came in here for drinks and queso. Cute little spot, great margaritas, very fast service.
The beef quesabirria is a tasty small plate option if you want a light dinner or appetizer. The H street location also has a nice ambiance with a combination of outdoor dining and a bar.
Bruno was our server and recommended the Ecuadorian delicacies from the weekend menu. I am so so so glad we tried them! The encebollado is a soup that was absolutely delicious, had such great flavors. The pandera is made with pancita (beef tripe) in a peanut sauce - if you're not a texture person this is a must try! Its a small spot but it is always busy, service is fast and friendly!
Great fun place with good service and food. We first started with some chips and guacamole. Chips were nice and crunchy and tasted fresh. The guacamole had nice flavor well balanced definitely more on the lime and avocado tasting not too much heat which was fine on a hot day. I ordered off the Ecuadorian menu and order Encebollado de pescado it is fish soup with yuca, pickled onions, and tuna. Was super rich with savory flavors the cilantro and onions added some great spice to it. I added salsa verde to it. That some great spice to it. Tuna was nice and flaky. The yuca was perfectly cooked as well. I tried the HUARACHE with lengua. Was really great the vegetables tasted fresh. Lengua was nice and tender pairs well with the salsa verde
The food was so good. The fish tacos and Birria is 10/10!!! Some of the best in DC!! The service was amazing. And so attentive. I loved the vibe in there as well. Will return for sure !!
Sooo enjoyable and the take out service was great. came in on a Friday night to order to go and we were in and out in 10 minutes. We got Al pastor-Top Tier Carnitas- Well seasoned and flavorful Chorizo-a tad salty Tinga-tastes like chicken nothing to write home about Campechano & Suadero-Combined because I'm not sure which was which but one was very greasy but flavorful and the other was flavorful. This will likely become my go to taco spot near the house The elote was also really good. A tad heavy on the like but really good. The lime flavor helped cut the salt of the chorizo taco.
We showed up to Taqueria Al Lado after our first choice restaurant told us they were having some issues. And it turned out quite well for us. To start, I got a frozen margarita (mango). It was delicious, strong enough to convince you that there was alcohol, but still sweet and tasty with all the fruit juices. On to the tacos. Coming in at $4.50 each, I tried three; my favorite was the birria. It was so good I ordered a second. They have outdoor and indoor seating, and both areas have a fun atmosphere. The food is amazing, but the price is just a bit too steep for me to make this a regular spot.
If I could give this spot 100 stars I would. Everything is so authentic. I also love the set up. It appears to be technically an outdoor restaurant, but the roof and the way they have everything set up makes you feel like you are inside. Also, the additional bar in the back is a plus for those who just want to get a drink and a quick bite to eat. The frozen margarita was surprisingly very strong. And the food, everything was absolutely amazing. I enjoy how simple they kept the guac and the beans and rice were a great addition and side. And due to the restaurant, being smaller, the service is on point.
Our waitress, Tanada, was very friendly. Loved the birria taco I had & had a bite of the chorizo quesadilla - very good. The cod taco wasn't my fav but still good. Will be back!
This spot is a must! The staff doesn't speak much English, but the food is delicious! It was authentic Mexican food. The outside seating was nice under a heater.
It's probably one of the best all-around tacos places I have had in the DMV area, which is easily top 5, maybe top 3. We got the tacos mentioned in the picture. All were good ,tinga was the least favorite, but it's still ok hard to mess up chicken , a tad dry. Chorizo was a little salty, and all the other tacos were full of flavor al pastor, suadero and carnitas were the favorites. Elite was ok ,not really sweet, and could have used a little grilled flavor or something. Horchata was better than most in the area.we got the food to go, but service was good. Nice ambiance was small place but full of life.
We got takeout for a couple of friends - suadero tacos, champiñones tacos (pork), Al pastor, and 1 cod fish. I liked the suadero and the al pastor best. The elote was solid, with real queso fresco. We also ordered aguachiles with shrimp and it was prepared nicely though when the delivery came the bottom of the bag was soaked with aguachiles water/ citrus. The Jamaica agua fresca was nicely done as well. Overall for legit Mexican in the DC area and for delivery Al Lado was top tier. read more
Years ago, behind U Street Music Hall (RIP), there used to be a taco spot in a row home called El Chilango. It used to be the spot for me and my friends to grab a quick bite and everything about it was exceptional: who can say no to super affordable yet authentic street tacos served on paper plates. Sadly, it closed. Last night, I think I stumbled across a taco spot to finally take the wheel from our dearly missed El Chilango. Taqueria Al Lado is very no frills and a tiny spot, but it has tacos that make your heart sing. My friend recommended the Al Pastor so I got that with a chicken taco as well. Both were super flavorful, fatty, but really fresh and well balanced. The key here is simplicity and they do it perfectly. Each taco was about $4 or $5 if I remember correctly, so it's a great spot to grab food if you're trying to ball on a budget. We got the guac, too, which was good but not life changing; the fresh chips, however, were spot on. As far as service goes, we went on a Friday and it was super busy, but there were plenty of servers if we needed something (just had to be vocal). I will definitely be coming back! read more
1 year ago
I stopped in here as I walked home from an appointment on H street because the music was great and the smells were even better. The ordering process was very easy. I picked a spot and was quickly approached by one of the several servers to place my order. I ordered two tacos, rice, and a beer. The food came within ten minutes and was hot. The vegan birria taco was delicious. It was a mishmash of veggies and tasted amazing. The fish taco was good, but the vegan option was my favorite. I had hoped the rice would be seasoned, but it was just white rice. The overall restaurant vibe was very fun with loud music. It was crowded but there were still several tables available. Checkout process was easy as well. A happy little find I will be sure to come back to. read more
Bruno was our server and recommended the Ecuadorian delicacies from the weekend menu. I am so so so glad we tried them! The encebollado is a soup that was absolutely delicious, had such great flavors. The pandera is made with pancita (beef tripe) in a peanut sauce - if you're not a texture person this is a must try! Its a small spot but it is always busy, service is fast and friendly! read more
Great fun place with good service and food. We first started with some chips and guacamole. Chips were nice and crunchy and tasted fresh. The guacamole had nice flavor well balanced definitely more on the lime and avocado tasting not too much heat which was fine on a hot day. I ordered off the Ecuadorian menu and order Encebollado de pescado it is fish soup with yuca, pickled onions, and tuna. Was super rich with savory flavors the cilantro and onions added some great spice to it. I added salsa verde to it. That some great spice to it. Tuna was nice and flaky. The yuca was perfectly cooked as well. I tried the HUARACHE with lengua. Was really great the vegetables tasted fresh. Lengua was nice and tender pairs well with the salsa verde read more
5 months ago
Amazing! Cute little sit down restaurant! Service was amazing and food was delicious! Everything is gluten free and so good. read more
1 year ago
The food was so good. The fish tacos and Birria is 10/10!!! Some of the best in DC!! The service was amazing. And so attentive. I loved the vibe in there as well. Will return for sure !! read more
3 years ago
Sooo enjoyable and the take out service was great. came in on a Friday night to order to go and we were in and out in 10 minutes. We got Al pastor-Top Tier Carnitas- Well seasoned and flavorful Chorizo-a tad salty Tinga-tastes like chicken nothing to write home about Campechano & Suadero-Combined because I'm not sure which was which but one was very greasy but flavorful and the other was flavorful. This will likely become my go to taco spot near the house The elote was also really good. A tad heavy on the like but really good. The lime flavor helped cut the salt of the chorizo taco. read more
7 months ago
We showed up to Taqueria Al Lado after our first choice restaurant told us they were having some issues. And it turned out quite well for us. To start, I got a frozen margarita (mango). It was delicious, strong enough to convince you that there was alcohol, but still sweet and tasty with all the fruit juices. On to the tacos. Coming in at $4.50 each, I tried three; my favorite was the birria. It was so good I ordered a second. They have outdoor and indoor seating, and both areas have a fun atmosphere. The food is amazing, but the price is just a bit too steep for me to make this a regular spot. read more
2 years ago
If I could give this spot 100 stars I would. Everything is so authentic. I also love the set up. It appears to be technically an outdoor restaurant, but the roof and the way they have everything set up makes you feel like you are inside. Also, the additional bar in the back is a plus for those who just want to get a drink and a quick bite to eat. The frozen margarita was surprisingly very strong. And the food, everything was absolutely amazing. I enjoy how simple they kept the guac and the beans and rice were a great addition and side. And due to the restaurant, being smaller, the service is on point. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
It's probably one of the best all-around tacos places I have had in the DMV area, which is easily top 5, maybe top 3. We got the tacos mentioned in the picture. All were good ,tinga was the least favorite, but it's still ok hard to mess up chicken , a tad dry. Chorizo was a little salty, and all the other tacos were full of flavor al pastor, suadero and carnitas were the favorites. Elite was ok ,not really sweet, and could have used a little grilled flavor or something. Horchata was better than most in the area.we got the food to go, but service was good. Nice ambiance was small place but full of life. read more
So we found this place off the humble. A very cute and quaint Mexican spot. Vey authentic tic. Cute space. The food was fresh authentic and good. The drinks were amazing just like the customer service. Ms Jessica, Luis and the Owner were so nice. They made you feel welcome. My friend booked her sister Happy hour birthday dinner at the spot. If you are ever in H street and need a good margarita and tacos check them out. You will not regret it. and get the chips they are so delicious and warm. Sorry I did not take kite pics. I was so amazed at the place that I was a bit occupied lol read more
In my search for the best tacos in the dmv, a friend recommended me this place, as he considered it the best. Haven't had too many tacos place that have blown me away but I will say these tacos were amazing. I tried the Al pastor and chicken and was amazed. They both were inside corn tortillas. Both were packed of flavor and were not shy with the meat portion. The man in the front was very kind and patient. He told us what he would recommend. There was a bar too but I didn't try any drinks so I can't speak for that. Overall, one of the best tacos in the area would highly recommend read more
The last two spots we tried for Mexican on H St left something to be desired so when I got the itch for some tacos I was hesitant to try Taqueria al Lado but boy was I wrong! The restaurant itself is small, but quaint and despite having basically every table, plus the bar full when we arrived, the service was fast and efficient. We each had a margarita and I'd rate them 6/10 - will probably skip those next time and stick with a beer or soda. We got the guac and chips and those were also ok, 8/10 - the guac could've used a little something extra, maybe some more salt and lime. But where we had our minds and taste buds blown was with the entrees. We ordered: the mixed aguachiles (9/10), quesabirria (10/10 according to my boyfriend and sister), chicken tinga tacos (10/10), and the fish tacos (100/10)... the food was so tasty and so perfectly seasoned, my mouth is watering just writing this. The fish tacos were the clear winner for me. Everything looked and smelled so good I forgot to get a picture of the food , more reason to come back! read more
2 years ago
This spot had me ALL THE WAY IN MY FEELINGS!! Why?? Well this is where the original Horace & Dickies was located. The famous fried fish spot that got me through many a day with $7 in my pocket. Now it's a Taqueria...I decided to see what it's hittin on... . Where I am: @taqueriallado . Location Reviewed: 809 12th St., N.E. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Freshly made Tortilla Chips, Red & Green Salsas, Guac, Queso, a Cod, Quesabirria, Carnita, Al Pastor, Suadero, Chicken Tinga, Chorizo, Lengua, Campechano, & Vegan Barbacoa-Tacos, Salads, Quesadillas, & Huaraches. Black Beans, Rice, Aguachiles, Agua Fresca, Cocktails, Wine, & Beer. . Items Reviewed: (all tacos are $4 & come on homemade corn tortilla). Their Quesabirria Taco (with braised chuck roast, & Oaxaca cheese). STAMP!! Ridiculously tasty, the tortilla was fresh, the consumé is STAMPED!! Their Chicken Tinga (with marinated chicken, cilantro, onions, & salsa). LIKE THAT!! Savory, & a tad spicy. Their Cod Taco (with red cabbage slaw, & chipotle crema). STAMP!! Crispy, with the well seasoned slaw, & sauce!! The Carnita Taco (with crispy pork, cilantro, & onion). DELICIOUS. This was good. That's it. Their Suadero Taco (beef brisket with cilantro & onion). LIKE THAT!! Meaty, & tasty. Their Suadero Quesadilla (beef brisket with Oaxaca, & mozzarella cheese & sour cream $9). STAMP!! The crispy tortilla set this off!! Their Campechano Quesadilla (beef brisket & ground pork with Oaxaca & mozzarella cheese $9). STAMP!! THIS was EXCELLENT!! Hearty, spicy, sweet, & salty!! Their Chips & Salsa (freshly made tortilla chips with red spicy salsa, & green mild salsa $2). STAMP!! You tasted the freshness, & the salsas were STAMPED too!! Their Virgin Watermelon Agua Fresca ($4). STAMP!! Completely refreshing!! Their Elote (corn on the cob with a chile mayo, lime, & cotija cheese $5).STAMP!! It's hard to mess up corn!! . Customer Service: On Point . Online Navigation: N/A for the H St., location . Parking: Rough . Recommendations: The Quesadillas, the Agua Fresca, & the Birria Taco!! =STAMP =LIKE THAT =DELICIOUS =DECENT =PASS =NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more
Tucked on 12th street before H, Taqueria Al Lado has such a warm Al fresco dining scenery. Price points of taco were affordable starting at $4 to quesadillas at $8. While they were perfect small size, they were packed with meat and flavors. My favorite was the cod taco, and second runner up was the birria. We also got chips and guacamole. Guacamole was ok, but they brought out extra salsa condiments which were so good. The margaritas were delicious and I love the extra touch of big square ice cubes! Beers started at $4 and depending on your choice of liquor, margaritas could start at $8. Overall a great addition to the neighborhood to cause some competition! The staff was prompt with service even though it was PACKED. I loved how attentive they were! People waited outside to get in because they saw how good the tacos looked! read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
Second time here and I'm still as impressed with the food! I am in LOVE with the Quesabirria Quesadilla, it's the cheesiest and meatiest quesadilla I've ever experienced. The Oaxaca cheese is melted perfectly over the beef, which is SO well seasoned! Every single bite is better than the last. You can sit anywhere you want, and service is super quick, especially when using the QR code. This is a small place with big flavors, you won't be disappointed! read more
4 years ago
I love this tiny taco place. We drove by a few times when the kitchen was already closed, but we finally got to try it the other day. There are several tables on their small patio and a few barstools available inside. It was pretty crowded, but we were able to get seats near the end of the bar. We ordered their guacamole and birria tacos, and both were so so good. Lots of smoky, spicy flavor and great sauces to accompany them. We didn't have a server because we ordered everything through their app, but the staff seemed nice. Our food also came out very quickly even thought there were lots of other people there. I'll definitely be back and hope their kitchen decides to have late night hours. read more
4 years ago
Believe the hype. It's that good. Where do I begin? Right at the beginning... Let's talk about these tacoooooos. They are fiiire. I had a Quesabirria quesadilla as well as Carnitas, Al pastor and Quesabirria tacos. A little bit pricey for $4.50 per taco but it's definitely worth it. The drinks are the highlight of this place. Their margaritas are superb. I had the mango margarita. From presentation to taste, I was very impressed. Pleasantly sweet, the cocktail had a nice blend of ingredients with a salt rim. Sweet. Fruity. Sippable. Well done. Overall, great food and drinks! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
My first visit and I really enjoyed it. The Al pastor and chicken tinga tacos were excellent and I highly recommend them. Add the red sauce and life is good! Very affordable as well!!! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
The waiters were friendly and the decor was very welcoming. The al pastor taco was flavorful and reminiscent of similar tacos I've had in Texas. the quesabirria was definitely the star of the show; it was extremely indulgent. the meat was flavorful and the tortilla was perfectly crispy. This restaurant is definitely worth a try if you're in the area. read more
3 years ago
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Taqueria Al Lado - tacos - Updated August 2026
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