Quesabirria Quesadilla
adobo chicken, taco birria morelos, vegan taco
Choriqueso Taco
Shrimp Tacos
Nachos with chicken
Quesabirria Quesadilla
Streets tacos and beer!
a dimly lit bar with stools
Nachos with chorizo
Choriqueso Tacos & Thai Shrimp Tacos
Thai Shrimp Taco
4 bogo adobo chicken tacos, 1 pescado taco
outside
Birria Morelos
DC Taco
drink
Nachos with chicken
Nachos
food
Nachos
Kendra B.
Oct 7, 2024
I've been coming here since my grad school days in 2016, and it's always been a great spot for a fun time! The drinks are delicious, and the nachos are seriously amazing--I haven't even tried anything else on the menu because they're just that good. Plus, they're super quick to get, usually ready in under five minutes.My friends recently tried the birria tacos and gave them a solid 7/10. The vibe of the place has slowed down a bit over the years, making it a perfect spot for conversation and catching up. With big TVs showing the game, it's a great spot to relax and hang out.
Read MoreKaya E.
May 6, 2024
Frozen margaritas are a yes for sure at El Rey. The Al pastor tacos though .... Are a big no no. The pieces of meat were thick squares, chewy and fatty. I only ate a half of a taco out of the 3 that I needed to buy because that was their special for the day. It was gross and inedible. My friends got the Burria tacos and loved them so go that route if you decide to stop by.The restaurant was very busy on the day I came. Shoutout to the DJ because they brought all of the energy. The bartender I was ordering with was not the friendliest but I'm sure he'd also had a long day. All in all, will not be getting Al pastor tacos from here again.
Read MoreSteph K.
Oct 7, 2024
One of our go to spots margarita pitchers and good tacos. Music is always good and people typically have a great time. Service can be hit or miss.
Read MoreArista W.
Jun 20, 2024
My favorite part about El Rey is the sky view from the back of the restaurant. It does get busy some nights but it's still a cool spot to have a few drinks and tacos. On Tuesdays they have 3 tacos for $10 which is a great deal! This place gives me the vibe that it's for younger people so I did feel kind of old but the music was nice and the atmosphere is cool so I've enjoyed myself here each time I've went. The women's bathroom was awful and the parking is hit or miss that's the only reason I didn't give them 5 stars.
Read MoreSachi G.
Jul 26, 2024
The 1 pescado taco I had is the sole reason for my 3 star review. I ordered from Uber 2 orders of the bogo adobo chicken tacos. Those get 1 star, really flavorless. The chicken is mushy like it was over boiled, basically inedible to me. BUT, the pescado taco is so flavorful and wonderfully cooked. I would have been very disappointed if I didn't add this extra taco to my order. I also asked for the crema on the side but they put it on top. I am not allergic but something to note if you do have allergy/dietary restriction requests. I would order/go to El Rey again specifically for the pescado taco. It's that good.
Read MoreNa B.
Jun 5, 2024
I love coming here for the shrimp tacos with flour tortillas. They are so delicious! They also have really good drinks and the atmosphere is always upbeat & friendly. The only thing that sucks is that they don't really open until 5 PM.
Read MoreLarry M.
Nov 15, 2022
I'm LATE!! I know I know...I should've hit this taco spot a looonnngg time ago. But, better late than never!! With that being said, let's GO to El Rey!!.Where I am: @elrey_dc.Location Reviewed: 919 U St., N.W. Washington D.C..Menu Includes:Chicken, Shrimp, Fish, Beef, Vegetarian, & Impossible Tacos, Nachos, & Quesadillas. Chips n Salsa, Tostadas, Elote, Tamales, Wine, Cocktails, Beer, & Beverages!!.Items Reviewed:Their Tacos (all $4 each)The Choriqueso Taco (on a flour tortilla with mozzarella, chile de Arbol salsa, jalapeños, Spanish onion, & cilantro). DELICIOUS!! Meaty, spicy, probably better on a corn tortilla.The Thai Shrimp Taco (on a flour tortilla with marinated shrimp, carrot jicama slaw, sriracha aioli, & cilantro). STAMP!! Spicy & tangy slaw, & well cooked, & seasoned shrimp!!The DC Taco (on a flour tortilla with fried chicken breast, potato frites, house Mambo sauce, & cilantro). STAMP!! Crispy chicken strips, sweet & spicy Mumbo, with crunchy potatoes!!They're Quesabirria Tacos (with braised beef, cheese, onions, cilantro, creama, & consumé $15). LIKE THAT!! Cheesy, with well marinated meat!! STAMP their thick, & savory consumé!!Their Nachos (with chicken, Queso, black beans, & cilantro $15). STAMP!! The chicken, & cheese set this off!! Perfect nachos!!Their Elote (corn on the cob with lime aioli, cotija cheese, & cayenne $6). LIKE THAT!! Fresh corn, thick, & tangy aioli, scrumptious!!.Customer Service: The waiter didn't write down my order so I had to repeat myself several times, via him not getting it right. The waiter also insisted that I didn't need all the food I was ordering, saying "The quesadilla would be enough." I didn't ask. Service was on point after that..Online Navigation: Easy.Parking: Rough .Recommendations: The Nachos, & tacos!!=STAMP=LIKE THAT=DELICIOUS =DECENT=PASS=NAH#Bigschlimsreviews
Read MoreElaine F.
Sep 4, 2022
Those margarita pitchers omg! When I tell y'all I left this place lit, I'm not lying! Also they were so good! Not too sweet, just right & then more! I only ordered two tacos the Al Pastor and the Thai Shrimp taco. The Al Pastor was good but I didn't really like the Thai one that much. I still ate it though lol. I'm took off one star because of the tacos, i enjoyed the Al Pastor but I plan to visit again to try other food!
Read MoreDana C.
May 25, 2023
Went to El Rey with two friends before a show at the 9:30 Club. We sat outside on the patio, which was great. At the time we were there, around 6:00 on a Wednesday, it wasn't too busy or too loud. Service was friendly and timely. The food was really good. The only negative I want to mention is that this restaurant adds a 20% tip onto every bill without telling you, then they add a tip line in addition. Up to you if you want to add more than 20%, but be aware that that much is already included.
Read MoreBeryl D.
May 14, 2023
Place never disappoints. Highly recommend the streak nachos and margarita pitchers to wash it all down.
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