Chicatana — Restaurant in Washington

Great Mexican food is uncommon in the region, so places like Chicatana are a rare and welcome find. We enjoyed a delicious dinner here last month, with the food being the standout part of the experience. Service was fine, and the managers/hosts were friendly, and the atmosphere was fine as well.

We started with a solid Guacamole and Chips, well presented with just the right amount of lime juice and spice.

The meal quickly elevated with the Esquites (Corn, Cheese, Mayonnaise, Chile & Ants), with the ants adding notable texture and slight nutty flavor to the creamy dish.

I loved the Queso Fundido (Queso Chihuahua, Pork Chorizo & Corn Tortillas), excellent chorizo pairing with the indulgent Chihuahua cheese. Their corn tortillas are hand made and fresh, and the difference matters.

All the tacos we tried were very good, with a couple that were standouts.

Al Pastor (Pork Trompo al Pastor, Onions, Pineapple, Cilantro & Avocado Salsa Verde) - a perfect al pastor taco, took me back to the street tacos in Mexico City and the taquerias in

Carne Asada (Hanger Steak, Grilled Onion & Salsa Molcajete) - solid carne asada taco, but not particularly memorable

Camaron a la Diabla Shrimp, Tomatoes, Onions, Chipotle Cream & Purple Watercress - creamy and delicious flavor with the grilled shrimp, yum.

Rajas con Crema Roasted Peppers, Cream - a lonely vegetarian taco that held its own, definitely worth a try

For dessert, we had their beautifully presented Buñuelos (Dulce de Leche, Chicatana Ants & Powered Sugar), they were delicious and you can also request them without the ants like we did for a our nervous young daughter.

I found the margaritas overly sweet but others may be fine with them.

Our server was fine, but just extremely shy and not talkative at all, so that took away a bit from the experience but not much.

Highly...

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the depth and creativity of Mexican cuisine, Chicatana is a must-visit. This restaurant elevates traditional flavors with a modern touch, using high-quality ingredients and unique elements that set it apart from the usual fare. Every dish at Chicatana is crafted with precision and passion. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite, from the handmade tortillas to the perfectly seasoned proteins. The balance of textures and flavors is impressive—the tenderness of slow-cooked meats, the smokiness of fire-roasted chilies, or the bright acidity of house-made salsas.

One of the things that makes Chicatana stand out is its dedication to showcasing rare and regional ingredients. The restaurant’s namesake, the chicatana ant, is a delicacy in Mexican gastronomy, often used to create deep, earthy flavors in sauces. Other unique offerings might include heirloom corn varieties, wild herbs, or exotic moles that go beyond the typical menu. You’ll love discovering new taste experiences here if you're an adventurous eater.

Beyond the food, Chicatana delivers an atmosphere that blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The service is warm and knowledgeable, with staff eager to explain each dish's origins and preparation. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to Mexican gastronomy, the experience is welcoming and enriching.

Chicatana isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey into the heart of Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Its combination of top-tier ingredients, inventive recipes, and authentic flavors makes it a standout. This is the place to go if you're in the mood for something beyond the usual tacos...

Hello food lovers, DC residents and visitors. I've been invited by a good friend of mine to come over and try this fantastic place. I finally had the time to visit them, I must say Chicatana does offer great quality food.

As a Mexican, I can tell you one of our must authentic and traditional tacos it will always be TACOS AL PASTOR. Chicatana does bring the original way to make them

I had two al Pastor and a Camarones a la Diabla tacos, my wife had al pastor en Fish tacos.

We had Molotes and Esquites, and they have a unique way to prepare and present their dishes.

Also tried the Chicatanas, first time ever and it does have a very special taste. I must say we were very pleased with Chicatana's food.

Great service, friendly staff and the dishes are literally FineDine Dishes as you can see on the photos.

Stop thinking, don't wait any longer Antonio Mendez and his team will make sure you have an amazing experience at their place.

Those who love great quality tequilas and mezcals, guys this is the place, you will love the variety...