El Chucho Cocina Superior

Need a spot to grab a small, not-too-expensive group dinner? El Chucho is your move. The food and drinks at this Columbia Heights spot are great, and when you see the prices, you might think the waiter accidentally handed you a menu from 1998.

Tacos? Check. Tortas as big as your face? Check. A tequila and mezcal list so long that would make your liver look like a raisin if you went through the whole thing? Check. Really, it’s the place dreams are made of.

The space is definitely cramped, so don’t go expecting to score a spot right away or fit a big group in. There is a little more room in the upstairs covered patio, so maybe request a table up there if you have restless leg syndrome after a couple of tequila drinks. Or go when it’s nice out and hope to score a seat at the window bar and post up all day.

Food Rundown

Elote

If you see this on a menu and don’t get it you’re either a) on a date and don’t want to get cheese and cayenne pepper all over your face or b) someone I don’t want to know. Just get it and don’t care that you’ll need to shower afterwards.

Tacos

The happy hour move, discounted to $3 for a pair of tacos that don’t skimp on the well-seasoned meat or excellent sauces. Al pastor, carne asada, and camarones are the highlights. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try the lengua.

Pork Belly

An Americanization of Mexican food, but it works here.They change up the menu offerings, but it’s a good bet you’ll find a burrito or stuffed pepper filled with this, and you’ll want to get it.

Drinks

Inventive as heck. And reasonably priced. Well, DC reasonable. Think mezcal old fashioneds, infused tequilas, frozen strawberry habanero margaritas, and house-made spiked sodas (the coconut kefir lime with rum is a standout).