Taco Bamba, a Virginia-Based Taco Chain in Several Area Locations

[BklynBoy]

Victor Albisu's Taco Bamba opened yesterday in Falls Church/Tysons.

It was a rough opening day. When the wife and I arrived at about 7PM the air conditioning was not working and their expediter was doing double duty dealing with the AC techs.  We tried six tacos between us, Lengua, Tripas, Suadera and Pastor. All of the fillings were excellent, especially the tripe. The Pastor was not made on a rotating spit and suffered for not being quite crispy enough on the exterior. The flavorings on all the other meats were excellent, better than anything I have had in DC. The house made salsas that were served with the tacos were also excellent. We did not try the tamales, but if they are as good as the ones sold in his mother's store next door, then they are very good.

The biggest disappointment were the tortillas. They were flour instead of corn and were not house made. My wife, the Arizonan,  seeing the packaged soft tacos opted for the crispy tacos which were made from masa and they worked better than the soft flour ones. For me, the result was like having great pastrami on wonder bread. I hope they get a better supplier for the tortillas. I also prefer to dress my own tacos with, depending on the type of taco, cabbage, raddish, cilantro, onion or peppers. The tacos came pre-dressed though they did have small cups of diced raddish available.

With opening night jitters, we ended up missing part of our order, but that is par for the course for any opening night.

I am going to work my way down the menu and give them a chance to work out the kinks. As a former Miami resident, I am looking forward to trying their Torta Cubana and I hope they take a shot at another MIami favorite I miss Lechon (whole roasted pig). All things considered, I am very happy Victor Albisu has saved me a trip to Maryland to get a taco

[Nervous Eater]

Very excited to try Taco Bamba, and will likely be doing so this weekend. That said, it leads me to a question, not specifically targeted at Taco Bamba: (Don...feel free to move if you don't think this belongs here)

Why don't more taquerias in our area put more thought into the tortillas? Using packaged tortillas is OK, but that's it. It's just "OK". Even if the fillings are incredible, the tortillas are merely "OK." It would be nice to have delicious tacos that were delicious all the way through, including the tortilla.

Many of us here on the East Coast have never had fresh, handmade tortillas from fresh masa. Sure, we've had stale-tasting maseca tortillas, but not ones made from fresh masa. It seems to me that if a taqueria went out of their way to make fresh masa tortillas, and emphasized this point with the press ("the only taqueria in the area with fresh, handmade masa tortillas"), they would be all the more successful. And they would put out a better product.

Is it simply too costly, in terms of actual monetary costs and labor costs? Does it take too much time and effort? We do have a company in Maryland that produces fresh masa on a daily basis; why don't more local businesses patronize them? The only one I'm aware of is Oyamel, and that is a bit too high-end to be a regular, casual (albeit high-quality) taqueria.

Just something I've been curious about.

[Ericandblueboy]

Their website said traditional tacos are $3 each, 3 for $8 and 4 for $9. I was a little annoyed when I was initially charged $12 for 4 tacos. The manager said the website is wrong, but he gave me $3 back without arguing. So I'm not sure how much 4 tacos would cost in the future.

I don't live far from Taco Bamba but I had no idea where it is so I googled it. From the map, its location could be in the shopping center with Whole Foods. It's actually in a small shopping center behind the Whole Foods shopping center.

There are a couple of counters with stools but dine-in space is very limited, and they don't serve alcohol. Frankly, the food wasn't good enough to warrant me going back. The meats (I had asada, barbacoa, lengua, and suadero) were generally dry and under seasoned (the suadero was the only one that had enough salt). The meat was plentiful though, either that or my stomach shrunk. I did not finish all 4 tacos (even after discarding a layer of tortilla after eating the first taco).

For a taste of authentic tacos around this area, I rather go to Ricos Tacos Moya II in Fairfax, where I can get table service, order an ice cold cerveza, have $2.25 tacos and a bowl of menudo. While Ricos Tacos Moya may not be better than Taco Bamba, I can say that Alegria and Fuego are better, but also more expensive.

[BklynBoy]

I went back to Taco Bamba this weekend and found it much improved from the opening night problems. It was almost empty on Sat afternoon, which may have also helped. This time when I ordered, I asked if I could have a masa tortilla. The woman taking the order said yes, I could have either masa or flour tortillas, but I think the default is flour.

I ordered a lengua and a tripas taco. The tripas was cooked to order and the line cook asked me if I wanted them crispy as she put the order of pre-blanched tripe into the deep fryer. Both tacos were filled to overflowing with meat and both were dressed with just a bit of cilantro.  Both were very good.

My earlier comments stand in terms of tortillas. This place would be wonderful, instead of just very good,  if they had house made tortillas. I would also prefer a wider selection of traditional things to dress my tacos with. The salsas remain superb. I will return and see if they progress from very good to wonderful.

[zoramargolis]

Very excited to try Taco Bamba, and will likely be doing so this weekend.  That said, it leads me to a question, not specifically targeted at Taco Bamba:  (Don...feel free to move if you don't think this belongs here)

Why don't more taquerias in our area put more thought into the tortillas?  Using packaged tortillas is OK, but that's it.  It's just "OK".  Even if the fillings are incredible, the tortillas are merely "OK."  It would be nice to have delicious tacos that were delicious all the way through, including the tortilla.

Many of us here on the East Coast have never had fresh, handmade tortillas from fresh masa. Sure, we've had stale-tasting maseca tortillas, but not ones made from fresh masa. It seems to me that if a taqueria went out of their way to make fresh masa tortillas, and emphasized this point with the press ("the only taqueria in the area with fresh, handmade masa tortillas"), they would be all the more successful.  And they would put out a better product.

Is it simply too costly, in terms of actual monetary costs and labor costs?  Does it take too much time and effort?  We do have a company in Maryland that produces fresh masa on a daily basis; why don't more local businesses patronize them?  The only one I'm aware of is Oyamel, and that is a bit too high-end to be a regular, casual (albeit high-quality) taqueria.

Just something I've been curious about.

You didn't include the fact that fresh masa from Moctec is not expensive. But, they don't deliver, AFAIK. Fresh masa only lasts a couple of days in the refrigerator before it starts to get sour. So someone would have to drive to Landover, MD several times a week. For a taco stand in Falls church, that might just be too much to ask.

[Nervous Eater]

You didn't include the fact that fresh masa from Moctec is not expensive. But, they don't deliver, AFAIK. Fresh masa only lasts a couple of days in the refrigerator before it starts to get sour. So someone would have to drive to Landover, MD several times a week. For a taco stand in Falls church, that might just be too much to ask.

Actually, now that you mention it....I called over there 2 or 3 weeks ago to double check their hours, and the woman I spoke with did say that they could deliver. I mentioned I was in Virginia and that did not seem to be an issue.

[Dr. Delicious]

We had the Chorizo taco, Stewed Chicken taco, Carnitas sope, Black Pearl taco, and guac and chips. Everything was amazing. The highlights of this spectacular meal were the chorizo taco and the Carnitas sope. The chorizo is cut up into little bit-sizes and generously doled out onto the (not-house-made) totillas. The sope is a meal unto itself, including a large portion of pork, beans, and other toppings. This place is definitely worth putting in the regular rotation.

[zoramargolis]

Finally made it here. My opinion: best tacos in DC. We had sweetbreads, skirt steak and chorizo, lengua (beef and pork), spicy mushroom tacos and a fluffy pork tamal. All were excellent. Grilled avocado guacamole lacked flavor--no garlic, not enough onion or lime, and very cold--the container taken out of the refrigerator and handed to us. And for me the big missing element here is beans. None on the menu. We are definitely going back soon. We want to try sopes next time. Hooray!

[zoramargolis]

Finally made it here. My opinion: best tacos in DC. We had sweetbreads, skirt steak and chorizo, lengua (beef and pork), spicy mushroom tacos and a fluffy pork tamal. All were excellent. Grilled avocado guacamole lacked flavor--no garlic, not enough onion or lime, and very cold--the container taken out of the refrigerator and handed to us. And for me the big missing element here is beans. None on the menu. We are definitely going back soon. We want to try sopes next time. Hooray!

We were so impressed that we went back today with K. I had a sope with puerco al pastor. The meat and pineapple were tasty, but it was more like a tostada than a sope--the base was a double tortilla griddled until it was crisp. Hard actually, not crispy-crunchy like a fried tostada shell, and it was difficult to cut. A sope should be a masa boat, cooked but with the masa still soft inside.

They do have beans, but you have to ask for them. They were refried pintos and they were DELICIOUS.

K had a birria taco, which is braised lamb. Very tasty, a bit gamy, recommended for those who like their lamb to taste like lamb.

The sweetbread taco is something unique (I've never seen it before). And very special. The first night we were there, Sunday before six p.m., we got one of the last two servings before they ran out. Tonight, around six p.m. we ordered three of them and they seemed to have an adequate supply. Word to the wise--if you roll in late in the evening, they may have sold out of sweetbreads. BUT, if you are a fan of sweetbreads, you really need to try this.

[DanielK]

Zora, best in DC, or best in DC Metro Area?

[zoramargolis]

Zora, best in DC, or best in DC Metro Area?

Daniel, I was being a bit hyperbolic. I should have said "best tacos I have eaten in the DC area." I haven't eaten at every new taco place. YMMV. Having recently spent ten days in L.A., where great Mexican food is readily available (not just tacos, either--there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine than you'd guess by the available options in our area), I was bowled away by Bamba's variety of meats, complexity, quality and value. That place would be packed, if it was in L.A.

[Marty L.]

Daniel, I was being a bit hyperbolic. I should have said "best tacos I have eaten in the DC area." I haven't eaten at every new taco place. YMMV. Having recently spent ten days in L.A., where great Mexican food is readily available (not just tacos, either--there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine than you'd guess by the available options in our area), I was bowled away by Bamba's variety of meats, complexity, quality and value. That place would be packed, if it was in L.A.

What Zora said.

[Jimmy Chandler]

 That place would be packed, if it was in L.A.

We may have to give this place time. It's still very new, and it's tucked away where no one will happen upon it by accident. I agree it's easily the best tacos I've had in the DC area, nothing else is really even close.

I've tried: tongue (least favorite, but still pretty good), barbacoa, spicy shrimp, spicy shrooms and sweetbreads. My two favorites are the barbacoa and sweetbreads.

Also, I found the staff to be very friendly and wiling to talk about the food and the business. I think they'd be quite accommodating to any reasonable requests.

[chaofun]

Went to Taco Bamba today after getting my salmon share pickup from Cold Country Salmon.  I would say the tacos are decent.  Looking upthread, the default for sure is now corn tortillas as opposed to flour.  They were indeed from a bag however.

The fillings were mostly good I got pastor, chorizo, and carnitas.  I still have not found pastor worth a darn yet in the area.  Carnitas were good, chorizo a little too course for my taste but were fine.  I would definitely have them in my rotation if I lived in Arlington still, but I definitely would not drive any longer distance for them.

[zoramargolis]

I went in yesterday and enjoyed the daily special: blood sausage, the meat crumbly and crispy, topped with a mixture of corn, poblanos and mayonnaise or "aioli" as they described it. Another reason to like Taco Bamba--they are simultaneously traditional, with many of the fillings, and pushing the boundaries, with unusual meats and salsas. I also had a tamale verde, which was perfectly steamed, tender and flavorful. This is the best tamale I have found around here, other than the ones I make myself.

[BklynBoy]

I went there again today.  I think it was my forth visit, the last one being about a month ago. I am an offal hound, so I just love the meat choices. In fact, I love offal so much there are a number of more traditional fillings I have not tried there yet as I keep getting drawn back to the lengua and tripas. Today, I went with birria (lamb) and carnitas. Both were very good. The ordering and the line have improved. The salsas remain terrific. My original criticism also remains valid: fillings and salsas this good cry out for better tortillas.  Per the tortilla thread on this board, it is a challenge getting house made or high quality, commercial bakery made corn tortillas in an area without a critical mass of Mexicans, but I hope Albisu comes up with a creative solution the way Sandoval or Fuego have

[zoramargolis]

I went there again today.  I think it was my forth visit, the last one being about a month ago. I am an offal hound, so I just love the meat choices. In fact, I love offal so much there are a number of more traditional fillings I have not tried there yet as I keep getting drawn back to the lengua and tripas. Today, I went with birria (lamb) and carnitas. Both were very good. The ordering and the line have improved. The salsas remain terrific. My original criticism also remains valid: fillings and salsas this good cry out for better tortillas.  Per the tortilla thread on this board, it is a challenge getting house made or high quality, commercial bakery made corn tortillas in an area without a critical mass of Mexicans, but I hope Albisu comes up with a creative solution the way Sandoval or Fuego have

Moctec in Landover, MD is the source of the very authentic masa used at Zaytinya and Fuego. Moctec also makes tortillas and chips with their masa. the closest place I've found that sells Moctec tortillas and chips is the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Co-op.

[Eatdceat]

I've been a few times - good spot but not outstanding. I agree with the comments about the tortillas - they're fine but not great. I think their specialty tacos, specifically the black pearl and the sweetbreads, are generally better than their traditional tacos.

[melogranato]

I work out in Tyson's on occasion so have been more than a handful of times.  Must say that other than Jesus's taco truck on 14th these are the best tacos I've had in the DMV.  On par with what I used to get in the Willamette Valley and LA? Nope.  But that doesn't mean they're not tasty and a helluva lot better than everything else I've tried - which, full disclosure, isn't exhaustive  Food quality and execution is consistent. Overpriced? Sure, but what isn't out here.  Agree with Eatdceat that the specialty tacos are generally more interesting than the traditional, but the lengua and carnitas are well done.

[zoramargolis]

Some news on the FC branch of Crisp & Juicy courtesy of the Falls Church News-Press:

Crisp & Juicy is relocating its Broad Street restaurant to 7500 Leesburg Pike in the Tysons Station Shopping Center. As reported last week by the News-Press, the current Crisp & Juicy site at 913 W. Broad Street will become an Einstein Bros. Bagels in March.

The only problem I see with this is that it will be within walking distance from my domicile. I need to take out a restraining order against myself.

 

Who needs another place in that stretch of Falls Church, when Taco Bamba is there? I was there the week before last and had KILLER pozole, made with Peruvian dried nixtamalized corn (the big kernels), red chile, and was garnished with freshly fried chicarron. Wow. The tamales and refried beans are always delicious, and the tacos are great. The one disappointment is that they have discontinued the sweetbread tacos, which were our favorite.

[DonRocks]

Who needs another place in that stretch of Falls Church, when Taco Bamba is there? I was there the week before last and had KILLER pozole, made with Peruvian dried nixtamalized corn (the big kernels), red chile, and was garnished with freshly fried chicarron. Wow. The tamales and refried beans are always delicious, and the tacos are great. The one disappointment is that they have discontinued the sweetbread tacos, which were our favorite.

I need to go there with you.

Answer me something I've wondered (and may have even asked before): is the Peruvian dried nixtamalized corn (not that you're a "foodie" or anything) the same thing as hominy?

The days that I come across a word I've never seen before are becoming rare - you broke the streak today.

[Justin Bittner]

Don, the latest issue of lucky peach has a lengthly article all about the process, along with how fresh masa is made and therefore amazing tortillas. Also, in Peru the large corn is called choclo, and they slow fry it from dry till it sort of pops but is still very crunchy then it's salted and called cancha.

[DonRocks]

Also, in Peru the large corn is called choclo, and they slow fry it from dry till it sort of pops but is still very crunchy then it's salted and called cancha.

I thought it was called Corn Nuts.

[DonRocks]

Who needs another place in that stretch of Falls Church, when Taco Bamba is there? I was there the week before last and had KILLER pozole, made with Peruvian dried nixtamalized corn (the big kernels), red chile, and was garnished with freshly fried chicarron. Wow.

Best pozole I've ever eaten.

[ulrath]

I went last Thursday.  Highlight was the carnitas taco.  That was worth the trip.  The chorizo was a little dry but had promise.  Lengua was ok.  My main complaint is the tortillas.  Just don't think they are that great.  They appear to be out of a bag purchased from the latin market next door.

Guacamole and Horchata were quite good as well.  Going to have to try the pozole next time

[soapy]

I enjoyed my trip there and I need to go back soon! I had

Taco Bamba "” Skirt Steak, Chorizo, Grilled Guacamole, Chicharrones

 

Bomba- cotija filled metaballs

 

Al Pastor.

 

All were uniformly great. I really liked the housemade salsas. Next time I'm trying their lengua and Chorizo. Also want to try their tortas!

[Dr. Delicious]

The El Gringo is quite good. It's like a gourmet version of something Taco Bell would make. It's also rather large.

[BklynBoy]

My last trip there I tried the pozole. I agree, it is wonderful. 

[DonRocks]

My last trip there I tried the pozole. I agree, it is wonderful. 

Pozole is, I suspect, often cooked in homes. This version reminds me of something some abuerta would slow cook on a Sunday afternoon which is the highest compliment I can pay it. It's also why I've never had a better pozole - I've only had restaurant versions. The one I had at Gringos y Mariachis, for example, while pleasant and worth ordering, is not even in the same realm as this one - theirs is pleasant; this one is profound. The best ones I've had in Little Mexico have been somewhere in between.

[zoramargolis]

Don--the next time you go, order:

a taco bamba

a spicy 'shroom taco

a pork tamal with green sauce

an order of refried beans without rice

get one each of their containers of salsa (three levels of heat, all good), radishes, and lime--use them on your tacos.

pozole, again. If you can manage it.

order a horchata to drink.

Then you will know what I'm talking about when I say that I can't praise this place highly enough. It's really, really good Mexican food. And I am very hard to impress, as you and Todd Kliman well know.

[BklynBoy]

On the one hand, it's a bummer that they took the sweetbreads off the menu, I really liked them. But, on the other hand, I like the fact that they have made made some changes to the menu since they opened; it keeps things interesting.

In addition to getting better tortillas - yes, I know I keep harping on that - I wish they would add menudo and put the birria back on the menu or change it up for cabrito

[LauraB]

As a native of southern California, I am always interested in good Mexican food. And, after Zora's glowing reports about this place I had to give it a try. We drove out from DC yesterday morning and arrived around 11:45. I wish we lived within carryout distance because seating is scarce and this is not the kind of food you want to eat in your car. At 11:45 it was already pretty busy and, after waiting some time we were finally able to secure one seat -- MrB ate standing up. We were located right next to the door and it was really cold. I had left my jacket in the car and I had to retrieve it because it was that cold. It took quite some time to receive our order which we didn't mind because quality food takes its time.

I trust Zora's advice about Mexican food, so, as a first visit, I decided to order mostly the things she had recommended to Don upthread. MrB added a chili hot dog (exact name of the dish escapes me and it's not on the online menu). I am not a fan of flour tortillas and I wish I had read through this thread before going so I would have known to request corn tortillas. Next time! What we ordered:

Taco Bamba: Skirt Steak, Chorizo, Grilled Guacamole, Chicharrones:  MrB ate this and loved it

Spicy "˜Shroom Taco: Chipotle Portabella, Grilled Corn, Cotija, Pepitas: I loved it! Pepitas added a nice crunch.

Pork Tamal with Green Sauce: To be honest, I've never been a fan of tamales, finding that the ratio of filling to masa leans too heavily to the masa side. I found this to be true of this tamal as well. The pork filling was good, but there was just too little of it relative to the masa. On the plus side, this masa was very light compared with many. Still, it didn't win me over.

Refried Beans: when I ordered this I was told there was a choice of pinto or black beans; I chose pinto. At first I was told there were not pintos, then that changed and the order went through. Hmmm. I'm not sure what happened here, but this dish was a major disappointment. It appeared more like a bean dip covered with cheese sprinkles. And, it was cold and flavorless. After one bite each we pushed it aside.

Pozole Rojo: Dish of the day! Pozole is one of my favorite dishes and this one was great. Just as Don described it above: just like someone's grandma made this with love. If we had been going directly home after lunch I would have ordered a couple of large containers to carry out. Instead, I just received my order of hominy from Rancho Gordo and I'm inspired to make pozole this week.

Bamba Chili Hot Dog: I didn't get a bite of this, but MrB says it was the best hot dog he's had since the one he ate at Gillian Clark's much-missed General Store in Silver Spring.

We really enjoyed our experience at Taco Bamba and we're looking forward to returning to try more items on the menu. I do have a couple of suggestions for improvement: having been to Tortacos in Gaithersburg a few times, I feel that their offerings for taco toppings are far superior to those available at Taco Bamba. And, the little plastic cups of radish and lime slices are hidden inside metal containers in a corner with no signage and if you didn't know to look for them, you might not find them -- this place needs an open toppings bar with more offerings. Cilantro, anyone? The salsas are fine, especially the salsa verde, but again, not immediately obvious to the first-timer and not as good as those at Tortacos.

[DrXmus]

Does the pozole have beef and/or pork in it?

[zoramargolis]

Does the pozole have beef and/or pork in it?

pork--it is the traditional meat for pozole

[LauraB]

For those who may not know, Taco Bamba also serves breakfast.  They open every morning at 8:30 and the 6 items on the breakfast menu are available all day long.  After running an errand in Falls Church, we arrived there this morning shortly after 9:00 and were delighted to find that, unlike on our previous visit, every seat in the place was available.  We ordered 3 of the items off the breakfast menu:

Sope Chorizo: served with black beans, salsa verde, fried egg and crema.  MrB ate this without my assistance and he liked it a lot. But then, he loves anything with chorizo.

Chilaquiles: crispy tortillas, black beans, crema, avocado.  We split this and we both agreed that it was ok, but we wouldn't order it again.

Enchiladas: I really liked these.  The crispy tortillas were very light and the dish was quite spicy.  It was topped with a fried egg and accompanied by Mexican-style rice and black beans.  The rice was good, if nothing exceptional.  The black beans I didn't care for.  This was a black bean puree and it just lacked any real flavor for me.

The other items on the breakfast menu are: Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Tacos filled with breaded chicken, and Torta Choriqueso with guacamole, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo.

While we were there, a handful of other customers came in and all ordered carryout.  I inquired as to when they start serving the main menu each day and Fez (sp?) told me that it's somewhere between 10:30 and 11:00.  He also said that they were expecting it to be a very busy day after the mention of their Camaron Diabla Taco in the WaPo's article on '40 Dishes Every Washingtonian Must Eat in 2014.'

We left with a large carryout container of their wonderful Rojo Pozole. Really looking forward to that.

[ulrath]

I probably hit this place once every three weeks.  Just want to say that their Rojo Pozole is one of my favorite dishes in the area.

[MsDiPesto]

I finally got to Taco Bamba tonight. It was a Downton Abbey double bill at my friends house so I got it to go. I had the Taco Carnitas, and the El Gringo. My viewing companion had a Pork Tamale w/Salsa Verde, and the Taco Tinga (stewed chicken). I also bought a bag of Chicarrones.

My friend said her Taco Tinga was very good, but for some reason her first bite of her tamale left her with the impression that it was incendiary, so I traded her my El Gringo (since I live closer to TB and can get more anytime). I didn't get the impression that it was all that hot. It was nicely steamed. I'm not sure where the Salsa Verde went, and next time I'll get the salsa in the cooler to go with. All in all we really like it, and all that food and tip cost around 20 bucks.

The Carnitas were good, but I wished they were moister. I heard the El Gringo was good. I'll be going back for sure.

[DonRocks]

My friend said her Taco Tinga was very good, but for some reason her first bite of her tamale left her with the impression that it was incendiary, so I traded her my El Gringo (since I live closer to TB and can get more anytime). I didn't get the impression that it was all that hot. It was nicely steamed.

When something like this happens to me, it's often a single pepper located in an unfortunate, random place.

[zoramargolis]

I've been to Taco Bamba a few times recently, and had a chance to taste around on the menu. It's hard not to keep ordering favorites, though. In case it hasn't been clear from my previous posts, I love this place. And I am very hard to please, when it comes to Mexican food. There were a few misses: tinga put my tongue to sleep. won't make that mistake again. Birria was a bit too fatty for me, but J. loved it. Even preferred it to his perennial favorite carnitas. Al Arabe was a mistake: grilled chicken in a flatbread with tzatziki. Huh? the chicken was tasty--I ate it with a fork and pitched the flatbread. When I go to Taco Bamba I want corn torillas, period. You can't go wrong with barbacoa, in my book. It's just flat out delicious. And I like the taco bamba a lot--grilled skirt steak always works well in a taco. Lengua is sometimes fabulous and other times just very good. Al pastor is another favorite. I've had the spicy 'shroom a couple of times, and if there are any vegetarians in your world, that is the taco they should get. It's really good. Tamales are excellent. I usually get the verde but I've had the rojo a couple of times recently and liked it very much. the rojo is billed as "spicy" but it really isn't. And we always get just beans no rice. Their beans are fantastic. And the posole is wonderful.

[weezy]

My bookclub met today and the hostess this go-round lives just a couple of blocks from Pupatella -- the good and bad news is that she's a wonderful cook, and by the time the meeting wrapped up, we were still too stuffed from lunch to consider getting pizza.  But driving toward home down 66 I thought "I've never had the pozole from Taco Bamba" and knew that would hang out in the slow cooker just fine until dinnertime.  So, that's what we did, and I agree with all above that it's just wonderful.  So rich and deep with flavor and deceptively simple.  My sister works just a few blocks away; she may be tasked with take-out runs on a regular basis now to bring that posole home for dinner.

[DonRocks]

And the posole is wonderful.

Still the best I've ever had by an incalculable margin. I'm not a big fan of fried pork rinds, but when you dump then into Taco Bamba's hot posole, and shove them down to the bottom, they become magical.

Thank you to Taco Bamba for being open today - I'll be surviving the snowstorm on posole and guacamole.

Grilled avocado guacamole lacked flavor--no garlic, not enough onion or lime, and very cold--the container taken out of the refrigerator and handed to us. 

I agree it lacks flavor, but it's high in quality, and I dump a little tub of medium-hot sauce (the darker red one) on top, and they have limes for squeezing, too.

[MsDiPesto]

I bought the large size of the posole last Friday night to share with a friend. The place was busy, and they had about five people behind the counter. Despite the busy atmosphere,  I received my food pretty quickly (I had ordered four tacos as well). I was lucky to find a parking space, and a couple of people had violated the social contract been creative about making up their own parking spots, which is always annoying. The Posole was wonderful!

[DrXmus]

Surprised no one's posted this, but Taco Bamba will be opening two new sit-down versions in Vienna and Springfield (I think). I believe the Vienna location will be in one of the storefronts where McGruder's was and will be 2000 square feet. Both new places will have alcohol - beers and cocktails - but not be "cocktail driven", meaning they'll be oldies but goodies, I think. There was mention of margaritas, polomas, etc. They're sticking with commercial tortillas.

I posted this in ABC Canteen's thread a little while ago, but I finally ate at Taco Bamba for the first time a few weeks ago and think that ABC Canteen's tortillas and tamales are better. I'm looking forward to going through more of Taco Bamba's menu, though, when the Vienna outpost opens.

[ktmoomau]

I was on 66 on the way back from court and starving so I took a detour to Taco Bamba for some tacos.  It was pretty busy today at 11:40, but I think the nice weather has people out and about.  I got the Tim Ma special crab taco, the taco bamba taco and bibbia (spicy goat).  The Tim Ma special was really good, crab, cabbage and sauce, it had a really good flavor balance, I could have eaten the ingredients on a plate as an appetizer, but they also were good as a taco.  I also really liked the goat, there is a lot of meat in their basic tacos.  I was less thrilled with the taco bamba, I was hoping for more of a charred avocado taste, and it had a heat that I didn't taste till afterwards, and if I can't taste the heat while eating it, I don't feel like I need to feel the after effects. It was fine, the others just had a lot better flavor.   All in all though I felt these were really good, the tortillas were great.  I would like to try other meats.

[Deborah Lee]

For the Month of May 2016:

Guest Chef Taco of the Month by Erik Bruner-Yang

AMARA'S TACO
Chorizo Laab, Crispy Beef Tendon, Thai Basil, Mint, Cilantro, Toasted Rice!!!

 

[LauraB]

Anyone know when the Springfield location is going to open? 

[DonRocks]

On 10/1/2015 at 4:51 PM, DrXmus said:

I posted this in ABC Canteen's thread a little while ago, but I finally ate at Taco Bamba for the first time a few weeks ago and think that ABC Canteen's tortillas and tamales are better. I'm looking forward to going through more of Taco Bamba's menu, though, when the Vienna outpost opens.

Both the tortillas and tamales are indeed better at ABC Canteen.

The one thing that Taco Bamba does better is Pozole (incidentally, I had a Pozole Verde there for the first time the other week, and it was just as good as their Pozole Rojo).

[Ericandblueboy]

The guest taco of the month is the Amara, from Erik Bruner-Yang, which has chorizo laab and beef tendon. The tendon turns out to be flavorless cold chunks. The chorizo laab itself is fine - although I don't particularly like it. I like my laab rare.

[Simul Parikh]

Went last Friday evening. The goat birria was phenomenal. The carnitas were a bit salty. The chicarron was too chewy. I liked the pozole verde, very cilantro-y, so not for everyone. The elote was, well, it was elote so it was great. When I tried it in DF, it came in a cup, but realized it has a different name when it's in a cup - "Esquite".  I don't eat beef, so I miss out on a lot of the tacos. And, I always think about ordering the shrimp, but never do it. It has a really good vibe, lots of high school kids, families, and hipster doofuses. Wish it were closer to me. 

[DaveO]

2 hours ago, Simul Parikh said:

 And, I always think about ordering the shrimp, but never do it. It has a really good vibe, lots of high school kids, families, and hipster doofuses. Wish it were closer to me. 

Thanks for the reminder.  Been there once.  Very very good.  Exceptionally good.  

But could you provide a picture or a screen shot of a hipster doofus???  I'd like to see what one looks like.   Per my TV recall, Kramer from Seinfeld was originally described as a hipster doofus.  That would be the 90's.  But this is a semi serious question.   After all I see that a description of hipsters and their history is of academic interest  with reference to hipsters originating in the beat generation.  (that is history)

We all need an academic piece on hipster doofuses, or doofi, doofusi, or at least a proper description of multiple doofus.  

[Simul Parikh]

Yeah ... The Seinfeld reference doesn't really fit, although Kramer is amazing. I just think of them as "uber hipster" ... If you saw the "Sunday Funday" episode of You're The Worst, Season 1, the crew meets up with bizarro versions of themselves, and it's hipsters just trying way too hard, with the hats and man buns, and trying too hard. Edgar says in this episode: "Hipster stuff is just poor Latino stuff from 10 years ago." Is it obvious that one of the few things I like better than tacos is this show?

[MsDiPesto]

3 hours ago, Simul Parikh said:

Went last Friday evening. I liked the pozole verde, very cilantro-y, so not for everyone. . 

Thanks for the warning, I'll stick to the red pozole.

[mare22204]

Tried to go twice, but parking is a nightmare.  This thread has made me want to try again.  Maybe even just continue to circle until I get lucky.

[DonRocks]

6 minutes ago, mare22204 said:

Tried to go twice, but parking is a nightmare.  This thread has made me want to try again.  Maybe even just continue to circle until I get lucky.

Funny, I've been here probably a dozen times and have always found parking - you could park in the Whole Foods lot if you don't mind the walk. The problem is that there are at least three restaurants in Taco Bamba's shopping center, so going at dinner can probably get rough.

[mare22204]

Oh, thanks!  I'm always nervous because of aggressive tow trucks. But you're right - it's never too bad parking in that shopping center.

[DonRocks]

10 minutes ago, mare22204 said:

Oh, thanks!  I'm always nervous because of aggressive tow trucks. But you're right - it's never too bad parking in that shopping center.

Walk into Jason's Deli to wash your hands.  That shopping center is so sprawling that I don't think you'd get towed from there, and if you do, buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and save your receipt (I wonder if that maneuver works).

Now Pupatella, *that's* a scary park because you need to cross Wilson Blvd if you put your car in the grocery store's lot, and there are few if any alternatives.

[mare22204]

Ah, Pupatella...

I've been once and enjoyed it.  Tried to go this past weekend but apparently Wilson was closed for a bike race or something.  A friend has been wanting to check it out.  Another time.

[Ericandblueboy]

I recently went to Puerto Vallarta, ate some street tacos, and some highly reputed dive restaurant tacos.  My conclusion - if you're paying $1 - $4 for a taco, you're not gonna get consistently good food.  The ingredients are cheap, the cooks are lowly compensated, and if it doesn't cost more than a Big Mac, should you really expect it to taste better?  I like Bamba, but recognizing the business model may help me, and possibly you, from expecting too much.

ETA: most tacos in PV were 12 pesos, so about 66 cents.  I had mostly al pastor and birria. 

[Dr. Delicious]

First trip back in a couple years, and went with the old standbys: Black Pearl and El Gringo. Both were delicious, tho i had a pretty pathetic piece of fish in the BP, and the EG is just wrong in a stuffed, gooey, bacon-ranch, 5-tortilla needing kind of way.

In addition, we got a large Pozole, which was amazing. I didn't know what it was when I ordered it, just going on faith from what I've read here, and i'm still not exactly sure what i was eating, but it was delicious, and could make multiple meals.

Also, I tasted and felt this meal all night, and couldn't get to sleep. Worth it!

 

[cheezepowder]

Opening at 164 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA on Sept. 8 (Tim Carman's tweet linking his article).  First 100 guests will receive a taco each week for a year (Taco Bamba website).

 

[Dr. Delicious]

BTW, when I revisited that Pozole last night, it was so salty that a lesser man might not have been able to stomach it.

It was certainly a salty dish to begin with, but not to the extent it was last night, no doubt due to stewing in its own juices for a few days. Be forewarned!

[JBag57]

Well, I was not one of the first 100 customers at Taco Bamba Vienna today.  Based on what I saw when I walked in a 9:40 this evening, I was probably not one of the first 1000 customers today!  Who said Vienna is a sleepy little town?  (I have, but maybe not on here...)  There were, conservatively, 40 people in the place at the aforesaid 9:40 tonight.

I understand that they were slammed for most of the day.  I ordered only the red pozole, and, after about 10 minutes of waiting and a couple of kind urgings to the guy announcing ready orders, he was able to get the cooking line to jump me ahead of about 25 pending orders for tacos, etc. (tortillas and proteins covering the flattops), to ladle that goodness into a Styrofoam container, and I was on my way.  People were still coming in as I was leaving at around 9:50.

There are tables and chairs that seat around 16 people at two- and four-tops.  There is a "bar" near the storefront with around 12 backless stools, and they serve beer (four or five drafts, a few cans and bottles) as well as mixed drinks.  In addition there are something like around 20 seats at "eating bar" areas in front of the kitchen line and in between the drink bar and the tables, near the front of the space.

As an aside, Cava Mezze Grill is also now open in that same shopping center, and is also open until 10:00.  There were only a handful of people (like 5-6) in there for that "mundane" food at that late hour.  (I have never eaten at one of these places, but know that it is not mundane based on word of mouth.  I will be in there before the end of the weekend to try it out first hand.)

[TheGut]

I finally made it over to the new Taco Bamba in Vienna.  I am regular at the Falls Church location, usually go there at least once a week.  The new Vienna location places an emphasis on seafood, which I like.  It gives each location its own identity.

I had the El Titanico: Shrimp, Swordfish, Crab, Octopus, Avocado Pico de Gallo & the El Bacho: Carne Asada nachos with, Salsa Verde, Crema, Cotija, Pickled Fresnos, Pico de Gallo. 

[Ericandblueboy]

Visited on Sunday morning at the Vienna location.  Loved the bar, where you can sit and order a cold cerveza (Modelo Negra) and order food from the bartender.

Didn't love the tacos.  The lengua was probably the best of the 4, pretty tender and flavorful (but not melt in your mouth tender). The carne asada was the worst, beef so tough that I didn't feel like finishing it.  By the time I got thru those 2, my al pastor and carnitas were stone cold, or they could've been cold to start with.  They really packed a lot of meat into those tacos tradicionales, and hence it took much more time (especially on the carne asada) to eat.

Finally, I didn't like their selection of Tacos Nuestros.

[Rising Suns]

On 5/10/2016 at 10:25 AM, LauraB said:

Anyone know when the Springfield location is going to open? 

According to this page on the Taco Bamba website, early 2017.

[Deborah Lee]

On March 2, 2017, I enjoyed the GUEST CHEF TACO OF THE MONTH at the Falls Church location.

• GUEST CHEF TACO OF THE MONTH
  Chef Danny Lee of Mandu 
  Man-Du-I-Love Chicken Taco
  double fried chicken, spicy soy glaze, gochujang aioli, Korean radish & carrot slaw 

[Rising Suns]

On 11/17/2016 at 0:01 PM, Rising Suns said:

According to this page on the Taco Bamba website, early 2017.

Springfield location is scheduled to open on Thursday, September 14th, 2017

Source: Taco Bamba website

[weezy]

The Springfield location is open and I've been twice now, each time weekend lunch visits.  This is in the same shopping plaza as a Chick-Fil-A, so if you go on Saturday around lunchtime, there is a huge traffic-choking line of cars for the CFA drive-thru.  It's best to park at the far far end near the Outback so you can avoid the gridlock when trying to leave.

The setup has a square bar area in the center of the restaurant and ledge seating and some tables around the perimeter.  Didn't see posole on the menu boards -- tacos, nachos, sopes and tortillas, plus sides -- so maybe that's just a wintertime addition.  On this past Saturday, they had a special taco where the proceeds went to a relief fund for Puerto Rico.   The previous week, I think I saw Chef Albisu hanging out at the bar and just checking out how the operation was doing.  It was packed two weeks ago (on a Sunday, and CFA was closed), and on Saturday this week, we got there about 12:30 and it was relatively quiet but had picked up to almost full by the time we finished eating.  I've tried several different tacos and have like them all, even more so with a bit of their salsa verde added -- creamy, limey, cilantro-y goodness.  And I've gotten into the habit of getting a side of their rice & beans because it's just so good.  

In a nutshell, all the stuff you love about Taco Bamba continues in the new location, plus a bar, plus seating, and still the same mediocre tortillas.

[Nervous Eater]

3 hours ago, weezy said:

The Springfield location is open and I've been twice now, each time weekend lunch visits.  This is in the same shopping plaza as a Chick-Fil-A, so if you go on Saturday around lunchtime, there is a huge traffic-choking line of cars for the CFA drive-thru.  It's best to park at the far far end near the Outback so you can avoid the gridlock when trying to leave.

The setup has a square bar area in the center of the restaurant and ledge seating and some tables around the perimeter.  Didn't see posole on the menu boards -- tacos, nachos, sopes and tortillas, plus sides -- so maybe that's just a wintertime addition.  On this past Saturday, they had a special taco where the proceeds went to a relief fund for Puerto Rico.   The previous week, I think I saw Chef Albisu hanging out at the bar and just checking out how the operation was doing.  It was packed two weeks ago (on a Sunday, and CFA was closed), and on Saturday this week, we got there about 12:30 and it was relatively quiet but had picked up to almost full by the time we finished eating.  I've tried several different tacos and have like them all, even more so with a bit of their salsa verde added -- creamy, limey, cilantro-y goodness.  And I've gotten into the habit of getting a side of their rice & beans because it's just so good.  

In a nutshell, all the stuff you love about Taco Bamba continues in the new location, plus a bar, plus seating, and still the same mediocre tortillas.

I enjoy Taco Bamba but visit (very) sporadically because of the tortillas.  I guess I don't understand why they don't seem to be interested in putting their quality meats/fillings on a tortilla of equal quality.  Though they do keep expanding and must be successful regardless, so what do I know?

I do my best to hit Oyamel and Espita at happy hour for excellent fresh masa tortillas at reasonable prices (again: happy hour).

[jderryup]

We unwittingly dodged the tortilla issue by ordering the Torta Bamba.  It has many of their offerings 'sandwiched' in a very serviceable roll that hits the griddle before being loaded with all the good things.  My first thought expensive but it did feed both of us.  An order of excellent rice and black beans topped it off.  

We took it all home and deconstructed the tower.  Neither of us had ever had beef or chicken Milanese with a Latino touch and liked it a lot.  The only element that seemed out of place was the beef frank.  It was just a beef frank and didn't bring much to the sandwich.

We'll go again.  The quality we found was superb.

[Kibbee Nayee]

On 10/10/2017 at 12:02 PM, weezy said:

The Springfield location is open and I've been twice now, each time weekend lunch visits.  This is in the same shopping plaza as a Chick-Fil-A, so if you go on Saturday around lunchtime, there is a huge traffic-choking line of cars for the CFA drive-thru.  It's best to park at the far far end near the Outback so you can avoid the gridlock when trying to leave.

The setup has a square bar area in the center of the restaurant and ledge seating and some tables around the perimeter.  Didn't see posole on the menu boards -- tacos, nachos, sopes and tortillas, plus sides -- so maybe that's just a wintertime addition.  On this past Saturday, they had a special taco where the proceeds went to a relief fund for Puerto Rico.   The previous week, I think I saw Chef Albisu hanging out at the bar and just checking out how the operation was doing.  It was packed two weeks ago (on a Sunday, and CFA was closed), and on Saturday this week, we got there about 12:30 and it was relatively quiet but had picked up to almost full by the time we finished eating.  I've tried several different tacos and have like them all, even more so with a bit of their salsa verde added -- creamy, limey, cilantro-y goodness.  And I've gotten into the habit of getting a side of their rice & beans because it's just so good.  

In a nutshell, all the stuff you love about Taco Bamba continues in the new location, plus a bar, plus seating, and still the same mediocre tortillas.

Signage is in full bloom. I'm anxious to try this newbie to the Springfield food scene, but I can't imagine why they would pick this place to go to die.

This is the former location of Le Bledo Dalat bakery, which moved to Bland St because Chik-fil-A has choked the parking lot into a monopoly. There is no reasonable accessibility to Taco Bamba, either in or out. The ownership must have done their research, but I can't think of a more inaccessible location in Springfield. Le Bledo left for this very reason, and they are thriving in their new location.

[DonRocks]

On 11/28/2017 at 7:06 PM, Kibbee Nayee said:

Signage is in full bloom. I'm anxious to try this newbie to the Springfield food scene, but I can't imagine why they would pick this place to go to die.

This is the former location of Le Bledo Dalat bakery, which moved to Bland St because Chik-fil-A has choked the parking lot into a monopoly. There is no reasonable accessibility to Taco Bamba, either in or out. The ownership must have done their research, but I can't think of a more inaccessible location in Springfield. Le Bledo left for this very reason, and they are thriving in their new location.

Mexican-Americans will find Taco Bamba. There couldn't possibly be a worse location in Falls Church either, and it's always crowded because it has some really good things (their Posole continues to be the best I've ever eaten) - I think they'll do fine, if the past is an indicator of the future.

[Dr. Delicious]

I hadn't been in awhile, and was please to see that the Falls Church location had expanded its menu to now include, among other things, Chicken Flautas. The serving included 3 tightly rolled, fried chicken tacos, smothered in lettuce, cheese and tomato. This was a meal unto itself, for the modest price of $6.50, but since I'm a pig, I also was able to cram a Black Pearl and El Gringo in my pie hole, both of which were as tasty as ever. Pro tip: If you get the El Gringo, make sure to grab plenty of napkins. Needless to say, I wanted to die when it was all said and done, but I would have gone with a smile on my face.

[DonRocks]

1 hour ago, Dr. Delicious said:

Needless to say, I wanted to die when it was all said and done, but I would have gone with a smile on my face.

Sincerely,
Boo Tson

[thistle]

I visited the Springfield location with my daughter & her friend yesterday & it was great. I got the Foo Fighter (which I loved because the papaya slaw was super spicy, but the meager pieces of fish, the size of my little finger, were disappointing) & the Arabe (no complaints, lots of nicely marinated chicken on a pita , like a chicken schwarma). One kid got the taco Bamba (amazing) & the other the Vic-Fil-A (also amazing) & filled it out w/ 4 more carne asada tacos. We loaded up on the salsas, the girls got fruit punch Jarritos, & Taco Bamba gets a vote of approval.

[thistle]

& when I say the size of my little finger, I mean total, 3 minuscule pieces of fish.

[Ericandblueboy]

50 minutes ago, thistle said:

& when I say the size of my little finger, I mean total, 3 minuscule pieces of fish.

The fish is always small but usually in one piece.

[thistle]

Nope, not this time, 3 tiny pieces, almost not recognizable as fish-but the papaya slaw was spicy, not sure if that makes up for it?

I am thinking about going to Bartaco Mosaic tomorrow w/ the kids for comparison. I did really like Taco Bamba, but might order different stuff next time.

I should take photos, but don’t usually remember it.

[thistle]

Kids & I visited the Vienna location on Sunday, at the same time as a large family Easter gathering (just a bit strange, loads of small children), had the Arabe & SanDiego tacos.  I thought the tacos at Springfield were a bit better (the chicken on my Arabe was kind of cold) & I’m giving up on fish tacos, you don’t get enough fish to even taste it (Foo Fighter at Springfield, while even smaller, was tastier).  I love the salsas & will continue to try other menu options.

[arlingtonkabob]

11 hours ago, thistle said:

Kids & I visited the Vienna location on Sunday, at the same time as a large family Easter gathering (just a bit strange, loads of small children), had the Arabe & SanDiego tacos.  I thought the tacos at Springfield were a bit better (the chicken on my Arabe was kind of cold) & I’m giving up on fish tacos, you don’t get enough fish to even taste it (Foo Fighter at Springfield, while even smaller, was tastier).  I love the salsas & will continue to try other menu options.

As far as portion and flavor, Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita in Arlington has good fish tacos. Living in CA a number of years the simplicity of an authentic taco is key; cilantro, online and squeeze of lime is just about all one needs and this place does it well. All their menu items are done very well. My only complaint is their carne asada has taken major short cuts, "steak-umms" meat chopped up does not constitute carne asada by any means in my book.

[DonRocks]

15 minutes ago, Escoffier said:

According to the Washingtonian, Del Campo is no longer and Taco Bamba is open.

[Somewhat incorrectly, Taco Bamba's expansion has precluded it from being included in individual neighborhoods in our Dining Guides. If a chain is good (and Taco Bamba is (or at least was) very good), I'm attempting to include a mention about them, but once a place opens its 3rd, 4th, 5th location, no matter how good they are, that's just too much for me  to keep track of. At this point, it's all academic, as I simply don't have the time to finish this project (which would only take someone a couple of hours, hint hint).]

I do wonder if this is a "finish the lease" type of situation - one in which the company is obligated to fulfill their lease, and is doing it the best way they can, but once the lease expires, they'll close up shop. Obviously, Taco Bamba is doing well, or they wouldn't be expanding, but up until now, they've done it in fairly low-rent districts - it's going to be a lot tougher to make a profit at 777 I St NW.

[Marty L.]

2 hours ago, DonRocks said:

[Somewhat incorrectly, Taco Bamba's expansion has precluded it from being included in individual neighborhoods in our Dining Guides. If a chain is good (and Taco Bamba is (or at least was) very good), I'm attempting to include a mention about them, but once a place opens its 3rd, 4th, 5th location, no matter how good they are, that's just too much for me  to keep track of. At this point, it's all academic, as I simply don't have the time to finish this project (which would only take someone a couple of hours, hint hint).]

I do wonder if this is a "finish the lease" type of situation - one in which the company is obligated to fulfill their lease, and is doing it the best way they can, but once the lease expires, they'll close up shop. Obviously, Taco Bamba is doing well, or they wouldn't be expanding, but up until now, they've done it in fairly low-rent districts - it's going to be a lot tougher to make a profit at 777 I St NW.

This might offer some explanation/context.

[mcbriden]

Saw that they are planning on opening up one near George Mason University. 

[Marty L.]

The DC location was hopping last night--running on all cylinders with a very large crowd--and the tacos are as delicious there as they are out in VA (I got a bunch to go), although some of the special tacos sound a bit over-the-top or too jammed full of oddly matched stuff.  I believe the prices are 50 cents higher per taco than in VA--$3.50 for regular tacos, $4.50 for the specials.  But they aren't skimpy tacos.  Three is easily a meal--two for most eaters.

[Ericandblueboy]

I normally visit the branch in Vienna where they serve cerveza but I was in the vicinity of the original Falls Church location so I stopped in for brunch.  All I can say is the spicy shrooms were really spicy today.  So spicy that I have to keep quaffing water and I was really not enjoying the taco at all (can't taste much else).  Trying to peel the taco shells apart when they're stuck together is also annoying.  Life's a bitch!

As for vegetarian tacos, the RA'S AL GHUL (Moroccan spiced cauliflower, spicy yogurt, cous cous, raisins, almonds, arbol chile, mint) available only at at the Vienna branch is delicious.  

[Ericandblueboy]

Dang it....3 tacos $12, I tipped $2, with tax the total should be $14.72.  It was posted to my credit card at $18.72.  I had to call Chase and dispute the charge.

[weezy]

Tried the chicken & cheese enchiladas at the Springfield location over the weekend.  A huge amount of food for $8 -- 2 enchiladas, rice, refried pintos, lettuce & tomatoes,with a fried egg on top.  I had also gotten an asada taco not knowing how much food came in the enchiladas.  All components tasty, but it's a lot more cheesy than I care for anymore.  I ended up eating the egg & sides and left half the enchiladas behind.    Still stuffed to the gills, even so.

[MsDiPesto]

I live near the one in FC, but I just don't care for the offerings all that much. The only thing I really liked was the red posole, and that's been replaced with the green. 

[thistle]

Rainy day lunch w/ the kids at Taco Bamba Springfield today & it was SO good-first time in a while that I ordered all new stuff & it was worth it.  I got a sope w/ tinga, tostada Tong Po Pork-chorizo, mint, basil, larb sauce, onion, cilantro, charred serrano salsa, chicharron, & street corn (I shared ). Tom got 3 tacos-al pastor, Ricky Bobby, & high on the hog, E got 2- taco bamba & arabe.  I am SO happy when I get good food, despite the rain, I almost floated home.

I’ve only eaten at Springfield & Vienna locations (& none of us have tried DC), but the kids think that Springfield has the edge. It was packed today & no complaints, aside from how messy I got, hands & face, eating all the delicious food.

Next time, I’m going to have another Foo Fighters taco-I think the small one I got the first time was an aberration, & it tasted delicious.

[Russ M]

Takeout dinner from the DC/Chinatown Taco Bamba location last night and my first disappointing visit to this chain: the Sid Vicious taco (crispy cod, malt vinegar salsa macha, mint tomatillo slaw, tartar) was dry and flavorless, despite the various moistening ingredients, and the tortillas were papery and flavorless as well; and, the Taco Bamba (skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, cotija, pickled onions, pickled fresno, cilantro, + chicharron) was the same story. Both tacos were tough to choke down and made me wonder how a joint turning out the volume of tacos that they do could serve up a couple that seemed to have been made hours in advance and left on a shelf in the corner of the kitchen.  Hey, wait a minute . . . .

[Pizzaandbrew]

You mentioned it was takeout.  Any chance it just didn't hold well?

[Mark Slater]

This is a fun article. Ramen tacos? Poutine tacos? That sounds really crazy. 

[weezy]

On 4/12/2018 at 9:01 AM, mcbriden said:

Saw that they are planning on opening up one near George Mason University. 

The Fairfax location is open at University Mall.  It's next door to the Halal Guys and a couple of storefronts down from Brion's Grille.  I went there today to check it out while GMU students are still on their break, because I imagine it will be overflowing once the students return.  The layout of this location is similar to the Falls Church store -- order near the back, pick up at the front, a bit of ledge seating squeezed around the edges.  Each store has a few variations on the menu, and this one seems to have a few different offerings, plus different names for some of the same tacos you can get at other stores "Mick Nugget" for the fried chicken taco, "Chilly Willy" for the fish taco (I got this one -- nice & crisp & tasty), "Papa Juans" for a cheesy/tomatoey/sausage taco.  I also got a Nature Boy, which is a BBQ bacon taco that is really tasty.  This store also has the posole roja  in reg & large sizes ($6/$10) that I don't think is carried in the other stores anymore.

At any rate, long line that moves pretty quickly, very crowded, very loud, good food.  I live about halfway between the Springfield and Fairfax locations, but will probably go to Springfield more often simply due to a much more pleasant seating configuration.

[Lisa Fricano]

My mom and I used to use every excuse to head out to Tyson's area to go to Taco Bamba. We were in the area yesterday and looked at each other, shrugged, and drove right past Pimmit Dr. My mom said "The bloom is off the rose" and I agreed. The though of the parking lot, squeezing onto that little wall table, and getting our hands covered in black garlic aioli from our meal of choice outweighed the recollection of the tastiness of the food. What an uphill battle restauranteurs face when they change absolutely nothing and still interest can wane. Or is it the tricks (?) our minds and tastebuds can play on us that a food is amazing when it's just new. I used to gag from the taste of jameed  (middle eastern dried yogurt) now I love it. The science and psychology of taste is not something I've thought about before. Do chefs have an instinctive, or learned, understanding of this? This post has sort of taken on a life of its own and maybe somebody will know what the heck I'm getting at (though I don't)...

[DonRocks]

54 minutes ago, Lisa Fricano said:

My mom and I used to use every excuse to head out to Tyson's area to go to Taco Bamba. We were in the area yesterday and looked at each other, shrugged, and drove right past Pimmit Dr. My mom said "The bloom is off the rose" and I agreed. The though of the parking lot, squeezing onto that little wall table, and getting our hands covered in black garlic aioli from our meal of choice outweighed the recollection of the tastiness of the food. What an uphill battle restauranteurs face when they change absolutely nothing and still interest can wane. Or is it the tricks (?) our minds and tastebuds can play on us that a food is amazing when it's just new. I used to gag from the taste of jameed  (middle eastern dried yogurt) now I love it. The science and psychology of taste is not something I've thought about before. Do chefs have an instinctive, or learned, understanding of this? This post has sort of taken on a life of its own and maybe somebody will know what the heck I'm getting at (though I don't)...

Taco Bamba isn't *that* far out of the way from Pimmit Drive - what did you have to invoke this sick-of-it reaction?

[I hope you enjoy the Dining Guide, btw.]

[Ericandblueboy]

1 hour ago, Lisa Fricano said:

My mom said "The bloom is off the rose" and I agreed. The though of the parking lot, squeezing onto that little wall table, and getting our hands covered in black garlic aioli from our meal of choice outweighed the recollection of the tastiness of the food. What an uphill battle restauranteurs face when they change absolutely nothing and still interest can wane.

There are more branches of Taco Bamba now.  I prefer going to the Vienna store where I can sit at the bar, order a beer and have my food delivered to me.  There are also a shit ton of taquerias that opened since Taco Bamba. 

[DonRocks]

5 minutes ago, Ericandblueboy said:

There are more branches of Taco Bamba now.  I prefer going to the Vienna store where I can sit at the bar, order a beer and have my food delivered to me.  There are also a shit ton of taquerias that opened since Taco Bamba. 

I never thought the tacos at Taco Bamba were any better than numerous other DC-area taquerias; it was always the pozole for me - I haven't had that now in a couple of years, has anyone else?

[Lisa Fricano]

1 hour ago, DonRocks said:

I never thought the tacos at Taco Bamba were any better than numerous other DC-area taquerias; it was always the pozole for me - I haven't had that now in a couple of years, has anyone else?

Maybe that's it. Just because I knew of Albisu, the press this place got, my mom is a big fan of fish tacos, and it was in an interesting area in that odd little mall there was an appeal (maybe) that the food didn't warrant and it took a while to figure it out. A new location doesn't appeal to me (again the black garlic aioli all over my hands). Like I've said I'm no foodie I just eat. My perspective is that of a landlord watching our own tenants grow or not, watching certain decisions be made in their business models that excite or disappoint us etc. So it's not Taco Bamba specifically it's about running a successful restaurant and the perfect storm of varying ever-changing factors, including the fickleness of customers. 

[weezy]

Had a disappointing lunch at the Springfield location on Sunday, partly due to my ordering and partly b/c the restaurant screwed up.  Ordered their special "Bahama Mama" taco where part of the proceeds go to Bahama hurricane relief.  This was a grouper taco with coconut rice, chiles, some other stuff.  Not a good balance of flavors -- the fish was griddled and had no crunch, although it was fresh and tasty on its own, the sweetness of the coconut rice didn't jive with the rest of the ingredients, the chiles were far too hot for this combo and completely overrode the rest of the taco.  Give directly to a hurricane relief fund and order a good taco instead.  On the other part of lunch, I ordered the Taco Bamba (skirt steak, pickled onions, cotija, etc.) and the cashier misheard me and entered the Cup o' Bamba instead.  I didn't realize the mistake until I picked up my order, and when I turned to get it corrected, the line had gone out the door and the kitchen was obviously in the weeds, so I decided to just have that instead.  I don't like the Cup o' Bamba because it just seems too gloppy to me.  ended up eating the egg off the top and digging down to the rice and beans and leaving the rest of it in the trash.  

[MsDiPesto]

On 3/20/2019 at 12:13 PM, DonRocks said:

I never thought the tacos at Taco Bamba were any better than numerous other DC-area taquerias; it was always the pozole for me - I haven't had that now in a couple of years, has anyone else?

I live near the FC branch, and haven't been in a couple of years since they stopped serving the Red Pozole.