Best Mexican & Latin American Restaurants in Washington, DC
Updated November 6, 2026 · 7 picks
Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant hold four of the seven restaurants on this list. The picks run from a breakfast-tacos-all-day window in NoMa's Alethia Tanner Park to a wood-fire Mexican restaurant with its own mezcal and tequila bar in Mount Vernon Triangle. There's also one detour south: China Chilcano in Penn Quarter, which blends Chinese, Japanese and Peruvian cooking. Every pick is a restaurant in our directory, described from its own listing.
Chinese-Peruvian Fusion · Penn Quarter, Washington, DC · $$$
Jose Andres' innovative blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisines in Penn Quarter. The ceviche, dim sum, and pisco cocktails create a unique fusion experience.
📍 418 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
See full details & directions2. dLeña
Mexican · Mount Vernon Triangle, Washington, DC
Upscale wood-fire Mexican restaurant and mezcal/tequila bar with a separate Roja Jazz Lounge.
📍 476 K Street NW, Suite D, Washington, DC 20001
See full details & directions3. El Chucho
Mexican · Columbia Heights, Washington, DC · $$
Lively Columbia Heights cantina with creative tacos, mezcal cocktails, and a rooftop patio. The adventurous menu puts modern twists on Mexican street food.
📍 3313 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
See full details & directions4. Haydee's
Mexican/Salvadoran · Mount Pleasant, Washington, DC
Longstanding family-owned Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant and bar on Mount Pleasant's main commercial strip, also known for hosting go-go and community events.
📍 3102 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
See full details & directions5. Mezcalero
Mexican · Mount Pleasant, Washington, DC · $$
Mezcal-focused Mexican restaurant offering an impressive agave spirits menu alongside regional Mexican dishes. A neighborhood favorite for mole and craft cocktails.
📍 3714 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
See full details & directionsMexican · Columbia Heights, Washington, DC · $
Authentic Mexican taqueria beloved for its handmade tortillas and slow-roasted meats. The pupusas and tacos al pastor keep Columbia Heights regulars coming back.
📍 3710 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
See full details & directionsTex-Mex · NoMa, Washington, DC
Breakfast-tacos-all-day counter in NoMa's Alethia Tanner Park from a Pineapple and Pearls alum, opened September 2026.
📍 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
See full details & directionsGood to know
- •Where they are: Washington, DC — including Penn Quarter, Mount Vernon Triangle, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, NoMa.
- •Reservations: the busier and more upscale spots book up, especially on weekends — reserve ahead or check each restaurant's page for booking links.
Frequently asked questions
How many restaurants are featured here?
This guide features 7 hand-picked restaurants from the Dine In DMV directory. Each links to a full detail page with the address, phone, and directions.
Related guide: All Mexican Restaurants in the DMV
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