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Dish of the Week: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s Carne Asada Tacos

Dish of the Week: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila's Carne Asada Tacos

A new taqueria is bringing a Miami staple to the Foggy Bottom culinary scene.

Located next to the GW Campus Store on I Street, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila celebrated its grand opening last week with free food, drinks and a merchandise giveaway. The new location marks the restaurant’s first foray into the District and 10th across the country — with seven locations in South Florida and two in Chicago.

The restaurant’s menu features Mexican street food classics like tacos, burritos and churros, including their beloved barbacoa taco and yuca frita. 

As a native of Miami, Florida, I grew up going to Bodega’s original South Beach location with my family since it opened in 2014, and its Coconut Grove location was a popular after-school spot in high school. I was curious to see how the D.C. location compared to the place I’ve known and loved for years.

As I walked in around noon, I was immediately struck by how true the design of this location stays to the Bodega vibe I grew up with. The ordering and pick-up area is a chopped-up airstream trailer plastered with hip-hop stickers celebrating artists like Eazy-E and Run-D.M.C. The brick walls are embellished with neon signs and colorful graffiti. Above the trailer is a marquee sign boldly stating, “Trump isn’t the only one being inaugurated this week.” 

While waiting in line, I picked up a mandarin Jarritos soda from a cooler filled with beers and other sodas, similar to one you might find at a barbeque or a block party. I ordered two carne asada tacos ($11.50) — a little steep for two tacos — and the soda ($5). I also received a free carnitas mini-burrito and a white, Bodega-branded baseball hat to celebrate the grand opening. Early customers could choose between the hat and a white, collegiate-style Bodega sweater, and pick up a free margarita if they were 21 or older. 

I sat at a small table and listened to the reggaeton hits from artists like Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma playing over the speakers while waiting for my food. The mini-burrito came first, which I finished in four bites. Despite the small size, it packed a punch with its juicy and tender texture. Yellow rice and chopped onions complemented the savory carnitas, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. 

The carne asada tacos quickly came next, which I was eager to try as I regularly order them when I visit Bodega locations in Miami. I was pleased to find they were no different than the tried-and-true dish I’m familiar with.

A neat bundle of steak, onions and cilantro lay on corn tortillas with a glaze of avocado salsa on top. The steak was tender and salty, and the onions and cilantro provided a fresh contrast. My only critique was one that I’ve also had for Bodega’s original locations: The tacos are on the smaller side and can be devoured in a few bites. This is authentic to traditional Mexican cuisine, but customers should keep this in mind if they’re looking to fill up without dropping too much change. 

Later that afternoon, I came back to the now-packed restaurant with a few friends and ordered a crispy fish burrito box to-go ($23). The box included a side serving of tortilla chips and guacamole, while the burrito contained fried fish, black beans, rice, guacamole, jack cheese, onion, cilantro, avocado salsa and chili crema. 

I had never tried this dish before, but I would definitely order it again. While on the pricier side, the burrito was filling, and the savory notes of jack cheese and black beans blended well with the fresh taste of the crispy fish. Despite the competing flavors within the burrito’s filling, no one ingredient felt like it overpowered everything else.

A signature attraction of Bodega that has been carried over from the original South Beach location is the “hidden” speakeasy bar located in the back of the restaurant. At Foggy Bottom, you can enter the bar through a silver door marked by a neon green arrow, found in the back left corner of the restaurant. I didn’t get a chance to go inside, but the website showcases an atmospheric lounge with warm lighting, leather furniture and wooden accents.

There are happy hour deals every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m. where everything is $3, and their weekend events range from local DJ sets to sports watch parties. Their “Tap That Thursday” offers $1 Modelo drafts starting at 7 p.m. — “until the keg runs dry.” The bar is sure to be a new draw for Revolutionaries who are 21 or older and any Foggy Bottom post-graduate residents.

If you’re a fan of authentic, quick Mexican food, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is a stellar option. I’m thrilled that my hometown mainstay of more than a decade made its way to Foggy Bottom. A taste of home is always welcome.

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