Cielo Rojo, Carolina McCandless' and David Perez's Mexican Taqueria in Takoma Park

[ElGuapo]

A couple with local roots will open a taqueria at 7056 Carroll Ave., currently occupied by a Subway sandwich shop, in Takoma Park:

Cielo Rojo Opening in 2019

[ElGuapo]

Cielo Rojo has opened:

"Fine-Casual Mexican Restaurant Opens in Takoma Park" by Mike Diegel on sourceofthespring.com

[Sluggo]

We went to check out Cielo Rojo, quite enjoyed it.   

My points of reference for Mexican I like in the area are Mezcalero, Taqueria Habenero, and Taco Bamba.  "Fine Casual" is an apt way to describe this place I think.

They have the kind of ordering system where you make your selections and pay at the register, and they bring your food to your table.  The food is very good and seems like its made with a great deal of pride and care.  I felt I was in a nice restaurant and had to to stop myself from trying to flag a waiter

We had the queso fundido, carnitas, chicken, and mushroom tacos, and the pozole.  The tortillas are house made and fantastic.  The queso and tacos were excellent, but the pozole was polarizing - the menu says it is vegetarian, and I was hoping for porky goodness, but my dining partner thought it was interesting and had alot of flavor.  Good house made sauces were provided to add, tasty but not adding heat.

Side note - Victoria is my new go-to beer for mexican food, but its not widely available.  A vienna style lager, pairs nicely with spicy food.  Its on the menu but they were out. 

It's a pretty small space, and off the beaten path for us, but I can see heading out there again.  They are a great addition to the community and wishing them success!

[smithhemb]

We went there last weekend and will probably stop by again this weekend!  Really pleasant space.  Looked slammed when we arrived, so we sat at the bar (which had surprisingly comfortable stools).  Service was friendly and not too slow, given how busy they were (and the fact that it was fun to watch the bartender at work).  We just had queso fundido (with chorizo) and tacos.  Quite good (though Chaia and Oyamel do tastier potato tacos) — especially the carnitas.  Looks like outdoor seating doubles the capacity.  And the line to order included a fair number of people doing takeout.

For us, too, it’s a bit out of the way, but worked well as dinner before a movie at AFI Silver.  And I knew that if we liked it, we’d have another shot at going there this weekend since we have an errand to do at House of Musical Traditions.  (Though I will admit that the combination of Cinco de Mayo and Sietsema’s favorable review in this Spring’s restaurant guide has me thinking our timing isn't great.)

[ElGuapo]

Cielo Rojo’s pozole is featured in Washingtonian’s February 19 article, “Birria Ramen, Spicy Pozole, and More Super Comforting Soups to Get You Through Winter.”