Welcome to Taqueria Al Lado II
Taqueria Al Lado II, located at 809 12th St NE in Washington, DC, offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that delights the senses. Customers praise the vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, making every visit memorable. The menu, though compact, showcases a range of expertly crafted dishes, including flavorful tacos—particularly the beef and carnitas—alongside standout options like quesabirria and fresh ceviche. Each dish bursts with authentic seasoning and quality ingredients, complemented by an impressive selection of margaritas. With a focus on fresh corn tortillas that are gluten-free, Taqueria Al Lado II is a must-visit for taco aficionados and newcomers alike.
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809 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States Hotline: +1 202-506-4669
Welcome to Taqueria Al Lado II, a vibrant eatery nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, specifically at 809 12th St NE. This culinary gem has quickly become a staple for both locals and travelers alike, offering an impressive array of authentic Mexican cuisine that’s bursting with flavor.
Upon stepping inside, you are greeted by a warm and lively atmosphere that reflects the rich culture and tradition of Mexico. The friendly staff—led by exceptional individuals like Bruno, who has been commended for his outstanding service—ensures that each visit is not just a meal but an experience. Diners rave about the unique combination of hospitality and culinary artistry that Taqueria Al Lado II provides.
The menu, albeit concise, shines with delightful options such as quesabirria, carnitas, and delectable fish tacos, all crafted with fresh, quality ingredients. Customers have echoed their appreciation for the perfectly seasoned tacos that deliver an explosion of flavors with each bite. One reviewer highlighted the rich and cheesy quesabirria, a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Mexico. Additionally, the house-made tortillas are gluten-free, made entirely from masa/corn flour, which should please those with dietary restrictions.
Complementing the bold flavors of the food are the signature margaritas, noted for their refreshing tang, making them the perfect partner to your meal. And don't forget to start with a selection of chips, guacamole, salsa, and queso; each dip is fresh and bursting with flavor, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
As you indulge in the vibrant menu, the lively atmosphere adds to the charm, with staff sometimes serenading diners with folk music, ensuring that every visit is filled with joy and laughter. Even while patrons recognize that there’s some room for improvement—such as the new patio lighting which has drawn mixed reviews—the overwhelming consensus remains: the food is worth returning for time and again.
Whether you're a taco aficionado, a casual diner, or simply looking for a welcoming spot to enjoy authentic Mexican fare, Taqueria Al Lado II is a destination not to be missed. With standout dishes, dynamic service, and a lively ambiance, it's a slice of taqueria heaven right in the heart of DC.
Traveling from Massachusetts, this was our first time at Taqueria Al Lado II — and it absolutely blew us away. We started with chips, guac, salsa, and queso — every dip was fresh and bursting with flavor. The tacos (beef and carnitas) were phenomenal, each with distinct, authentic seasoning. The quesabirria was rich and cheesy, and the rice rounded the meal off perfectly. Bruno, our server, was outstanding — friendly, fast, and genuinely made the experience better. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and for the quality of food, the prices are unbeatable. Easily a 5-star stop. We’ll be talking about this place back in MA.
I would come back here when I get to visit DC again. Food was great albeit a smaller menu. Drink selection was good and they were tasty too. Gluten free, celiac safe with corn quesadillas.
This was amazing... Bruno was great!! And the food was well worth coming back too for more!
El Lado at closing time: it is THE funnest place on our H St corridor; the whole staff was singing Mexican folk/ rock songs as they wrapped up the evening; highly, HIGHLY recommend. Food is great; margaritas are awesome!
The new patio lighting is really bad. Too bright and kind of yellow like hospital lighting. Much better before when they had nice warm string lights. But the food is excellent and the margaritas are the best we found ! Don't let the lighting turn you off, it's an awesome place to have drinks and tacos!
My wife said that this place has been on her list for some time.. if you are a DC native you will know that this is the old location for horace and dickies. Anyway this new establishment added an exterior awning so you'll be able to have seating options which weren't available with the previous tenant. We went on a relatively cold day but they do have heating lamps the only issue is that they time out and so you have to keep asking them to come back and turn it on. The food came out quickly very fresh prices are reasonable portions are substantial. Plan to come back and try a quesadilla as well as some more tacos they have a wide range of meat/vegetarian options. If you're in the area stop by. I would definitely recommend it.
This is a little slice of taqueria heaven, on H street. Everything we tried was delicious. The Aguachiles fish (ceviche) was exactly the quality and flavors we had in Mexico. The tacos were good size. We had carnitas and the quesabirria. The quesabirria could have been a bit more crispy to match that to the Mexican street cart, but it was still very delicious with the perfect dipping sauce. The huaraches were perfect and delicious. The best part is the only use masa / corn flour for their fresh tortillas so it’s gluten free. There is no AC but it was fine, plenty of wind. And it makes the experience in my opinion. We can’t wait to come back.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Taqueria’s and it was hands down one of the best taco experiences I’ve ever had! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Each taco was a flavor explosion, perfectly balanced with fresh ingredients and unique, authentic seasonings. Their carnitas were tender and packed with flavor, while the fish tacos had a perfect crisp and a delightful kick. The margaritas were top-notch—strong, refreshing, and with just the right amount of tang. Plus, the variety of salsas offered was impressive and brought out the best in each dish. Whether you’re a taco aficionado or just craving some incredible Mexican food, this taqueria is an absolute must-visit. I’ll definitely be back soon!