Bodega Taqueria y Tequila — Restaurant in Washington

From the moment you step into Bodega, it feels like a slice of Miami tucked into the heart of Foggy Bottom—vibrant, casual, and full of promise. But the real magic begins just beyond the kitchen doors, where a hidden speakeasy reveals itself: a spacious, mood-lit haven with a DJ booth and lighting that shifts with the time of day, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Cullen, the manager, whose passion for the place is infectious. After learning I was from Los Angeles and skeptical about finding great tacos in the DMV, he personally convinced me to give theirs a try—and I’m glad he did. The steak chimichurri taco was bold and flavorful, but the real showstopper was the jalapeño brisket taco which added just the right kick, with the depth of a well-prepared brisket.

Cullen introduced me to Maria, who crafted a duo of standout cocktails: a rich Espresso Martini, a smoky Old Fashioned with mescal. Later, I met Miranda, the food director, whose insight into the menu elevated the experience even further. Her enthusiasm and knowledge made every bite feel curated and intentional. She prepared a specialty item, the carnitas taco which housed crispy potato bits, a vibrant BBQ sauce, and juicy meat that melted in my mouth.

And then there was Gator, a bartender with a personality as vibrant as the drinks he pours. His whimsical stories and warm energy made me feel like I’d stumbled into a place I’d want to return to again and again—not just for the food and drinks, but for the people.

Bodega isn’t just a speakeasy—it’s a story, a vibe, and a community. I’ve already told my friends and colleagues: this is a must-visit. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a taco aficionado, or just someone looking for a memorable time out, Bodega delivers.

P.S. - Don’t forget to try the frozen mango margarita that is available when you first walk in. It felt like summer in a glass to quell the hot and humid summer we are currently...

On February 26, 2025, my friend and I were refused service at the bar during happy hour because two employees believed we gave the establishment fake IDs. My friend and I are well over the age of 21 and our driver’s licenses are real identification cards issued by the DMV. When we asked for explanations, we were told they were not at liberty to say and when we asked if the establishment had an ID verification scanner, we were told they did not. It is very concerning that the employees at this establishment seem to not have proper training on determining the legitimacy of patrons’ identification and furthermore, failing to provide adequate reasoning makes the decision appear pretextual.

Myself and my friend are both Black women and we are residents of California and North Carolina respectively and yet both of our IDs were not accepted at this establishment with no adequate explanation. The excuse given to us that employees do not have to disclose their reasoning despite making determinations of whether an ID is real on no objective basis is quite concerning as it makes the employees’ subjective determinations appear to be discriminatory. .

As such, I am requesting a formal apology from your DC restaurant to myself and my friend. We visited the restaurant in hopes of celebrating our accomplishment of completing the final day of our Bar exam and that experience put a damper on such an important day. Further, I suggest this establishment acquire more objective means to verify identification such as a verification scanner and/or more adequately train its employees on how to make better determinations of...

I went to the opening of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in West End/Foggy Bottom this past weekend.

It’s a nice spot tucked among GW campus buildings, so this place will likely be a hit w/ GWU students especially late nights as there is speakeasy hidden in the back.

As part of the opening, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila offered mini burritos and margaritas. They both were good.

The decor and ambience is colorful and vibrant.

The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The manager offered to let me tour the speakeasy once I was done with my meal. I decided I wanted to try some other menu items, so I opted for the coconut shrimp taco and crispy fish taco. They were delicious!!Crispy and flavorful.

After savoring my tacos, I accepted the offer to preview the speakeasy, which opens at 4p. I will say I loved the graffiti entrance to the speakeasy, once inside it felt just like a nice new, hidden gem.

Even though the bartenders were prepping for later, I was able to order one of their tropical margaritas and it was just right! Fruity & flavorful!

In addition to the bar, there are a few lounges, where you can sit & chill.

Once the word is out, I expect this popular Miami-based spot will be a hit especially given that they will be open until 3am on weekends!

If you’re in the Foggy Bottom area and want some good Mexican food & margaritas, Bodega Taqueria & Tequila is the...