Espita Mezcaleria
| Address: | 1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA |
| Phone: | +1 202-621-9695 |
| Site: | espitadc.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 10:30AM–2:30PM 10:30AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 20
OF
Officialbandofus
Visited this spot soon after it opened. It just had a stellar review completed by the Washington Post so we wanted to check out the hype. As expected, it was crowded and unfortunately we were a little late for our reservation because parking is difficult to find. The owner greeted us warmly and was able to accommodate us regardless. We sampled the guacamole which was fresh and delicious. We also tried their chicken and steak tacos which were fantastic-full of flavor and also fresh. The service was impeccable despite the rush of folks in the restaurant. The mezcal menu is unbelievable...such a great variety and so much selection. Thankfully, our waiter was kind and patient enough to educate us on what best suited our taste. The restaurant is gorgeous inside, quaint yet modern and the staff was super friendly and we had a chance to meet all of the owners who are really down to earth and inviting. I highly recommend this place for good food and good times. -Sam [BOU]
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Sam R
Had a great experience here during the first couple of days of the restaurant opening. We were late to our reservation due to the inconvenience of finding a decent parking space during a busy Friday night BUT the staff accommodated us which was fantastic. We sampled the tacos and they were delicious! We LOVED our waiter, as he helped us decide what type of mezcal to choose from (there are many). It is a busy scene but a great experience to take in during a night out on the town. We met the owners who are kind and humble and made us feel right at home. Cant wait to return!
JE
Jeff Sauri
Its rare that a find a place worth the hype. But from the first yuca frita to the last mezcal, this place delivered. The tacos were stuffed with delicious chicken, pork, or fish, complemented but not overrun by filler. The service was friendly, prompt, and courteous. For those with a "one night I drank so much tequila" stories, dont worry. There is a huge variety of mild to smokey to sweet to citrus to spicy to match any palette. Its a lot to take in. But the excellent staff will help you find the right mezcal for you.
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Radio Paul
I have been here twice and had snobbish attitudes both times. The last time I asked to be seated for happy hour and they insisted I sit at the bar even though the last time this was not an issue. I even pointed to a table in the bar area and they would not even look at it to see what I was talking about. Did not even ask if I was going to order a meal with the drinks which I was. Going for drinks, should not require complications... Wont be back to this suck up Yuppy dump
34
34magnitude
i was excited to try this place. We sat down after waiting an hour, so we were hungry. We got the chips and salsa or should I say Fritos and ragu paste. This appetizer was a miss so I decided to try the guacamole it was ok. I ordered the negro. The waitress kept insisting that Id never be able to finish it and would have left overs. I got the black soggy blob and was disappointed. The sauce is like mud, but with less flavor. The meat is tubby. I wont be going back here
CO
Collin Schwantes
Beautiful aesthetic and great service. The mezcal list is impressive but a little pricey. The green chorizo queso fundido was excellent. However, the soft shell crab tlayuda was a tostada with more mayo than crab (the tortilla wasnt crispy so I guess it wasnt a tostada either...). The barbacoa in the barbacoa tacos was greasy and dry. It seemed like the meat had been sitting in a warming tray all day. TL;DR : would go for drinks and apps, not for dinner.
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Joe Nastri
South Mexican and Mezcal. Now THAT was a great brunch with a great bunch of folks Sat. Nice collection of good to great quality Mezcal was fun to do flights with (cocktails too, give the Mayahuel or La Reconquista a spin). The French Toast w/ Smoked Agave Nectar & Mezcal-Infused Bananas was quite tasty too ;) Space is a nice mix of industrial meets art.
MO
Monica B
I have high expectations for southern Mexican food since Ive spent a good amount of time there. Everything was good but overall Id say the food was just ok. Drinks were great, love that theyre educating people about mezcal. Went for our anniversary and the staff was very welcoming and attentive. Id go back for drinks at the bar.
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Piper Murray
Absolutely amazing! First impressions are huge, and Espita gives a great one with beautiful murals around the entire restaurant. Even in the bathrooms!! The chips are like no other corn chips Ive ever had and the tacos are to die for. The menu has options for everyone. Including vegans. Can I rate it more than five stars??
CH
Christie Dietz
This place is fabulous. A celiac friend loved it so much she ate here twice during a week-long visit, and the second time she took me along, too. Phenomenal food (special mentions to the lamb barbacoa taco, the queso fundido and the amazing chips and salsa) at totally reasonable prices. The service is excellent.
ZA
Zachary Morrison
Nice staff, but pretty much why you would expect for a Yuppie Mexican place - small portions at relatively expensive prices. For instance, two small tacos (no side) for $16, which you can wash down with you $7-8 bottled beer. The tacos were pretty tasty, but certainly not worth the price or going back.
AN
Angela Joyner
Mezcal here is wonderful! Great varieties. The salsas are amazing. Try the charred onion & cashew. Its life changing. The bartenders are skilled. Some have complained about the prices. You want cheap & mediocre stay in the suburbs. This place has rent to pay! And the food, drinks & service are worth it!
CA
Carissa Lawlor
Enjoyed dinner at the bar this Saturday evening and had a fun time. The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The food was delicious as were the drinks. One note, take care in eating the chips, they are a very hard corn chip. Definitely a great experience and atmosphere!
JO
Jonny Newburgh
Espita Mezcaleria has some of the best Mexican food Ive ever had. Id highly recommend anything on the menu, but especially the lamb mole, the funditos, and the sopes. As for drinks, the ginger and cucumber cocktail was refreshing and delicious. I cant wait to go back!
AL
Allan Wang
Interesting, bright modern Oaxacan restaurant with a focused menu. I did not partake of the mezcal offerings, which appear amazing, but I did enjoy the tacos we had as well as chips and salsa, excellent guacamole. Not cheap, but you cant take it with you.....
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Riley Mulcahy
Wonderful ambiance and great vibe. Arrived early for seating at 5:15pm and an hour later, very crowded. Loved the guacamole and salsa, kale salad was delicious. Enjoyed the skirt steak tacos and pop-up by Chef Kwame was outstanding. Will definitely be back.
ET
Ethan Rinks
Espita is fine, but the value is not that great for the price. Extra points for the mezcal options, but the tasty tacos were tiny and the pipian mole did not have many complex flavors. Likewise, the borracha salsa seemed like a fast food sandwich sauce.
TH
Thomas Madeya
Sehr aufmerksamer Service, obwohl das Restaurant sehr gut besucht war. Leckeres Essen in einzigartigem Stil.
JA
James Paul Herman
Phenomenal selection of mezcal, very helpful and knowledgeable staff, attractive setting and crowd. Food is excellent, the smokey salsa is the best Ive ever had. Only 4/5 because it tilts more towards pricey than cheap. Well worth a visit.
JI
Jimmy Reyes
This place is wonderfully, food is Fantastic, some food pair great with most Mezcale, lots of true flavor from Mexico and some non traditional dishes, But there plenty all tastes and flavors. Great service. I am coming back (tomorrow).
