Taqueria El Poblano

Every time I dine at the Alexandria location I’m more impressed. This is a neat little neighborhood joint.

[review from 9/9/2004 follows]

Just had lunch at the Mt. Vernon Ave. location, and I must say, that was damn tasty. I had a house made soda of lime juice and club soda, served with a little bottle of simple syrup to add to taste. Great idea. The lunch special was a chicken breast and wing in mole verde sauce, which was outstanding, served with pico de gallo, refried beans, rice, and warm corn tortillas. I think that future forays to Cheestique will be planned to include a stop at Taqueria El Poblano.

[original review 11/16/03 follows]

A recent lunchtime visit to the Arlington location left me wondering what all the fuss is about, because I’ve read more than a few good reviews of these restaurants over the past three years.

The chips and salsa were acceptable, but not great. The margarita was sub-standard. Guacamole was mediocre. And although the green chile pork pieces were great by themselves, they were unfortunately wrapped in an overlarge burrito and smothered by run of the mill refried beans. The package also had cheese, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce... not that I could tell by taste. There was surgery involved, made more difficult by the monstrosity being served in a paper-lined plastic basket. So it had to be held in the hands to be eaten, which I don’t mind if I’m on a boardwalk, for example, but not in a restaurant. And it was too big to handle.

To be fair, I must admit this review is written after only one visit. So I should go back and order something else (like the fish or shrimp tacos, or taco el carbon). But as I’ve written before, time and money are short, and there are many other restaurants to try.

And I really, really hate going into Arlington. Who designed the roads there, anyway?