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Welcome to Tacos El Costalilla

About Tacos El Costalilla

Hidden away on the bustling stretch of Richmond Highway, there's a gem called Tacos El Costalilla. If cravings for authentic Mexican cuisine pop up, then this spot should be an immediate destination. Nestled conveniently in Alexandria, VA, it seamlessly blends a casual vibe with a whirlwind of flavors that keep patrons coming back for more. The small, unassuming facade is easy to miss, but it's what inside that counts, right?

Walking through the door, there's an inviting atmosphere filled with the rich aroma of freshly grilled meats and spices. The menu, while straightforward, overflows with classic Mexican goodness. Tacos, clearly the star of the show, are available with a variety of fillings—think carne asada, al pastor, and barbacoa. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, wrapped in freshly made corn tortillas. Burritos and quesadillas also make strong contenders, each dish prepared with a distinctive twist that reflects the chef's authentic approach.

Churros, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of warm dipping chocolate, offer a sweet finale to the meal, leaving diners with the perfect excuse to linger a little longer. And for those keen on bold flavors, the house-made salsas provide a fiery kick that elevates the experience, with the guacamole providing a creamy counterbalance.

This little establishment has quickly gained a loyal following, evidenced by stellar reviews scattered across numerous platforms. Visitors can't stop raving about the friendly service, speedy preparation, and the delightful surprise of encountering genuine Mexican fare in the heart of Alexandria. One could easily spot strangers exchanging unplanned laughter and satisfied smiles as they savor their meals—a testament to the community Tacos El Costalilla has inadvertently built.

A short drive from the city hustle, this place offers both dine-in comfort and take-out convenience. It serves as the perfect detour for those exploring the area or locals looking to satisfy their taste for something extraordinary. Affordable pricing ensures frequent visits won't break the bank, making it a favorite haunt for both budget-conscious students and families alike.

With its unpretentious charm and authentic flavor, Tacos El Costalilla isn't just another dining option; it's an experience. It's clear why the patrons keep returning, often bringing along new friends eager to indulge. So, for anyone on the hunt for a culinary escape to the heart of Mexico without leaving Virginia, this little taco haven on Richmond Highway awaits.

Features & Amenities

Service Options

  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service

Popular For

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates

Dining Options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy

Crowd

  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Reviews

Average Rating
4.3/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 — Taylor S
Ordered a Chicken Quesadilla combo (which comes with rice & beans) & a Carne Asada Taco. The rice & beans were a 10/10, and the taco/steak was also very good. I will say I personally found the chicken quesadilla to be a little flavorless unless you used sour cream, which thankfully I ordered, so without the sour cream I wouldn’t recommend that particular item, but with the sour cream it was an 8 or 9/10! A lot of people are leaving reviews saying the service was bad. That was not the case for us, the staff was very nice and accommodating. I also liked that they cooked everything fresh to order, you could even see the chef/cook making everything while you waited. Finally, the inside of the restaurant was very clean too. I would come back!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Marcos Bolaños (The Flavor Analyst)
You want delicious tacos to satisfy that craving? Then get yourself over here quick. The place ain't fancy and you might wait a while for your order, but it will be worth it. Whatever taco you order it will be delicious. And their selection of salsas are very spicy but really take the taco experience to the next level. I have noticed their prices have gone up and so these tacos are not going to be super cheap but they are still affordable and best of all....delicious. So check it out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Natalie Eby
Trying to find Mexcian food that is similar to the southwest has been difficult, but we've finally found our spot!!!! My husband devoured his carne asada burrito before I could take a picture. The al pastor in my quesadilla was on point! And you always know a restaurant is great when the simple beans and rice taste homemade. This place is an absolute win, and we can't wait to come back to try other items on the menu!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — J ROBERTSON
This is a true whole in the wall. 🔥 It’s on a little strip dedicated to worldly food grocery stores (and easy to miss so keep your eye out) I felt like I walked in to a family’s cookout which was a good thing! (Meaning it doesn’t feel gentrified). I took a quick look at the menu but it doesn’t have prices. I advised the waiter I wanted 4 tacos; 2 carne asada and 2 pastor however I like my pastors to be fatty so she let the cook know. I waited maybe six minutes before my food was fresh out the window. I loved how they served everything on paper plates (gave me a home-like feeling). They have all the sides you need off to the side for you to dress up your entree how you like. I sat down and listened to telémundo in the background and devoured my tacos and pineapple agua fresca. I spent $14!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Clark Barbieri
As a Southern CA native, I spent my early years in the WMA searching in vain for a solid taco shop. Luckily I stumbled over Costalilla, and now it’s a regular stop for me. Depending on the crew working they’ll sometimes make carne asada fries (off-menu), which guarantees my returning and suggesting to friends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — J Merritt
This is how Mexican food is supposed to taste! Not easy finding authentic Mexican food in the DMV. For those of us who have had the pleasure of growing up with Mexican food from the southwest (California and Arizona, not Texas) you'll love it here!!

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Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM