Taco Bamba
2190 Pimmit Dr,Ste G, Falls Church, VA, 22043
Taco Bamba Menu
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Diabetics at Taco Bell
The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Fresco Steak Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco Beef
Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Bean Burrito
Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:
You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in Falls Church for healthy meals suggestion.
High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell
People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.
Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage
Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:
Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.
Visit below restaurant in Falls Church for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in Falls Church for healthy meals suggestion.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.
The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.
Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.
Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell
You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.
More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.
Tips for Dining at Taco Bell
Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
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Address :
2190 Pimmit Dr,Ste G
Falls Church, VA, 22043 - Phone (703) 639-0505
- Website https://tacobambarestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Robert H.
Omg. This place is awesome!!!!!!!! Authentic Mexican food at its best. This place needs to be on Triple D We had 3 fat carnitas tacos, whatever you do at least try a taco :) We are from CA and all about authentic and traditional Mexican food and the tamales were a home run. I had the Chilaquiles they were great. I had an elote (corn on the cob) had mayo and the spicy Mercian cheese wow :) Stop in you won't be disappointed
(5)Ryan I.
Good food but does not deserve $ rating....more like $$ rating for the chef specials. The super torta is $16 btw yelp
(4)Seema J.
Taco Bamba is one of our favorite spots for tacos in the DC area. The spicy shroom tacos are stunning - marinated, spicy, with just the right balance of toppings (including yummy pepita seeds). My husband usually orders the enchiladas, which are also delicious; the fried egg on top adds a nice touch. My only recommendation for this place is that they add more vegetarian tacos to their menu. Come on, Taco Bamba. I know you can come up with some more delicious vegetarian options!
(4)Shar S.
No joke, best tacos I have ever had. I could eat here multiple times a week if I lived closer. The folks running it are nice and courteous. The food may take some time but it doesn't take away the taste. I have had multiple tacos, the corn and horchata - all excellent. It's a smaller space which means minimal seating so plan on taking it to go or bringing something to sit on if you want to eat inside. If it's not too busy you can wait for seats to open up while waiting for your food to be cooked. The music: Great playlist to keep you entertained and in a fun mood. Overall, I would recommend to anyone who is craving amazing tacos.
(5)Susan S.
OMGosh this place is awesome. Reminded me of back home in So Cal. Great music, friendly staff and most importantly absolutely amazing food! Try the sopas!
(5)Benji C.
I've tried lots of stuff here and have yet to say I wouldn't get something again. If you're super hungry, the Tortas are huge and loaded especially the Torta Bamba and the Torta Chilanga (my fave). The Torta Cubana not as heavy as the others, but still pretty large, is a nice touch on the traditional Cuban sandwich. The El Gringo, Taco Bamba (my fave), Arabe, and Black Pearl are all great special tacos, but I personally like to keep things simple and just go with the traditional tacos, either Carnitas (my fave), Barbacoa, Carne Asada, or Chorizo. The Elote is worthy of accompanying any of the aforementioned. Like others have said, it's location is somewhat hidden and seating is limited, but overall it's a great place to get that Mexican street food fix.
(5)Vandad C.
Absolutely amazing tacos! Great variety too but the only downside (depends on the individual) for me is the flour tortillas are kinda bland and every taco I've had so far lacks salt and I'm not one to usually add salt to things. But there's plenty of condiments to add more flavor! Portions are fairly small so you'll want to get two or three tacos probably. Seating is limited and music is usually extremely loud so you'll probably want to eat quick or go sit outside if you're trying to have a conversation with someone. I should mention the natural sugar cane sodas in glass bottles because I know some people rave about 'em.
(4)Joe N.
Returned to Taco Bambo after quite some time. It was busy but no line when I arrived. Order 4 tacos to share with someone else. Our number was never called. People who arrived after U.S. received their orders before we did. We checked on the order and apparently it never got put in. They apologized and made our food immediately. They also threw in sole chips and guac. It took 50 minutes to get the food from the time we ordered. I felt like I was about to pass out by the time we had our food. Overall the food was good. Didn't really care for the guacamole. It was different from other guacamole I've had in the past.
(2)Amber G.
Wasn't too great. Definitley not authentic, which was surprising. Nice atmosphere, nice staff.
(2)Angela H.
Went here today for lunch. WOW the tacos are delicious! I ordered the chicken, carne asada and shredded pork. They give you a big amount of meat on the tacos so I probably only needed two, but they were so good I ate all three. They also have these three homemade sauces you can add to the tacos. All were sooooo good! The food came pretty quickly even though there were tons of people there. There is not much seating area so if you come at peak times you may need to stand and eat or get it to go. We lucked out and were able to grab some chairs while we were waiting for our food.
(5)Chase L.
Really stinkin' good tacos. My husband and I moved to Falls Church 8 months ago but hadn't tried (or heard of) this place yet. My mother, who lives out of town, did some research and told my husband about it thinking that he would enjoy since he's the taco loving type. So we went there one evening and got our tacos to go. Yes, as other reviewers say there are not a lot of seats, but it clearly says on the sign "Carry Out". It does not attempt to be a sit down or even fast casual restaurant, so we didn't even try. We took our tacos home and as soon as I got home, the baby started crying and needed to be nursed. So I nursed the baby for 20 minutes while my tacos got cold. Then work called and I had to respond to them, another 10 minutes went by. I stared longingly at my now-cold tacos. Once I finally got the baby down to sleep and made another necessary work call, I sat down to eat my ice-cold tacos. Much to my surprise, they were still fantasticly delicious! I got the Black Pearl (fried fish), the Beso (fried beef tongue/pork) and the Camaron (spicy shrimp.) They were awesome. Way better (sorry) than District Taco. We will definitely be back and next time I hope to eat them hot and fresh!
(4)Vivian T.
I usually don't care much for tacos - but came here with my boyfriend not expecting much out of it. I ordered the grilled octopus and taco bamba, he had the beef tongue and taco bamba. We both left there surprisingly very satisfied and happy. Will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend the taco bamba for anyone who doesn't know what to pick. You won't be disappointed ;-)
(4)Yaseman A.
This place has the BEST tacos I've had in my life. My colleagues took me here for my birthday lunch. I got three tacos: taco bamba, black pearl, and the el gringo. They were all perfectly seasoned and delicious. This place is around the corner from my job and I will definitely be returning, maybe even once a week (not ashamed at all). It is a smaller restaurant and gets pretty packed during lunch time. We ate there, but I would probably prefer to pick up and go next time. Cant wait to try all of their other tacos!
(5)Jose F.
So I don't have to drive all the way into Arlington or Manassas any more for my style of tacos!! I love that the odd ends are available here, um beef tongue!! For me that makes it because it's so hard to find good beef tongue. Unlike other taco joints that um cater more towards the un-adventurous is why they stand out. I have been looking for as many taco places as I can find. This one is right on the money. Wish I could give a 4.5 because I wish that they had some more options for the sauces or at least offer them. I had to ask. The flautas where good and it was a different way they come with beans on top yum! The horchata was excellent and reminded me of what my aunt made back in the day. So now I can't wait and try more of what they offer because when I'm craving tacos and don't feel like cooking boom visiting them again! Who needs those other so called taco institutions when you can get mouth watering tacos from this place. I for one will be back again!!!!!
(4)F U.
Finally, truly Mexican style tacos in the DC/NOVA area!!! Mexican food is often mislabeled, very misunderstood, and super delicious when done correctly. I hate, hate, HATE it when Tex-Mex food is labeled as Mexican. This is especially prevalent in this area since there are fewer customers to call restaurants out when they violate our taste buds with promises of legit Mexican flavor and then serve up crunchy tacos with hamburger meat and grease loaded processed cheese!!! But I digress... Back to Taco Bamba - great, great tacos! I had Carnitas, Al Pastor, Tinga, and Carne Asada. I was happily impressed. Really could have continued eating but enough was enough. The only negative I can speak of is that the tortillas weren't traditional corn (this is the only reason I didn't give them 5 stars). Even so, the meat is delicious and perfectly cooked. Warning - the place is popular. Rightfully so! Expect to wait. There is very little seating and few surfaces to speak of. You will probably eat standing up. Still, your food will be so delicious that your focus will be off your feet and tuckus as your taste buds will have dibs on your brain capacity.
(4)Manuel O.
I heard this place was good and the fact that there are barely any places near the Reston area with good tacos I had to try. The place is a little small and seating is scares so be forewarned. It is great for what it is and the food is pretty delicious. Though those of us that have had authentic Mexican know this place is not that but it still doesn't take away from this being a great little taco shop. I tried the Taco Bamba, the Carne Asada, and Al Pastor tacos. All delicious in their own respect. Tacos Bamba was delectable and full of flavor. The Carne Asada was good just was expecting more of a citrus flavor, but still good. The Al Pastor was yummy and surprisingly on the spicy side, which is a bit different but still yummy. All in all if you are looking for a taco place that has delicious tacos you have to give this place a go!
(4)Samantha B.
I've heard many good reviews about this place that I had to try it out myself. Upon arrival they were fairly busy but that gave me enough time to look over the menu. I decided to order the spicy shrimp, carne asada, taco bamba, the Mexican grilled corn and the horchata. Camaron Diabla-: The shrimp was fresh and tasty but not spicy IMO Carne Asada: the meat was juicy, tender and very well seasoned. Taco Bamba: Had steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, chicharrones. I absolutely love the concept of grilled guacamole and the chicharrones. This was also very flavorful and tasty. Mexican Grilled Corn: Had mayo, red chili and cotija. Very tasty and sweet. Horchata: was the least of my favorites. It was really watered down and just didnt taste like the horchata I'm used to. Seating is very limited but luckily we were able to find a spot by the window. I will definitely be back!
(4)Fred L.
California doesn't have the best Tacos! It's here in Falls Church VA! Everything was made to order fresh! Sabroso! Had the Black pearl, spicy shroom, the grilled corn with cotija cheese was the bomb! Get the Torta Bamba as well!
(5)jeff m.
Great Tacos, I went with a trifecta of beef cheek, carnitas and Barbacoa. All were really good, the beef cheek was a little fattier than I would like. Overall it was great and I'll be back soon.
(5)Diana S.
First off, thank you Taco Bamba for doing it up the right way--corn tortillas all around! I recommend the House Fried Chipotle Dusted Chicharrones while you're waiting on your tacos, sopes, or tortas. I love how they do this in house and it's a great bar snack! Don't be scared away by the chipotle...it's only a light dusting. Next time I may be adventurous enough to dip these crunchy suckers in some guacamole. I didn't have a Torta but I watched the cook prepare one of these sandwiches while I was waiting....it looks massive and impressive! That's a whole lotta food for your buck! What did I have? I had at least one carne asada sope! A ton of delicious, quality steak piled on top of a sope with lettuce, crema, and avocado. What is a sope? Think of a thicker corn tortilla but buttery and airy and a crisp bottom. Holy carnitas! The taco was filled with their seasoned shredded pork. The flavor of the pork made me feel like I was sitting down to a homemade meal...and they did NOT skimp on the portion either yesss! The battered and fried fish in the Black Pearl was scrumptious. I would have loved some shredded cabbage as opposed to the cole slaw to match the light, fresh fish. The fish/batter was seasoned which is rare at many places trying to do the fish taco thing and it makes a big difference. Bonus points to this taco because I love anything with a big slice of avocado on top! As many Yelpers have mentioned, this place has no tables and it's a small space....but service is fairly quick and you won't need much space to crush these delicious tacos!
(4)Cat P.
Alert: Seasonal special right now is their soft-shell crab taco. Delicious! Loved every bite, can't wait to come back for more. (I think I may have gotten a nibble or two of crab roe, yes!!!!) Unless you have a shellfish allergy or aversion to crab, check this out! Cameron diablo (spicy shrimp) is bomb, too. See my previous review for some of my other menu suggestions. I dig their tacos and friendly service. It's become a go-to spot for my fiance and me. Every time we pass the 7E exit on 66, he gives me this look and I know he's thinking, "Taco Bamba?"
(4)Phuong N.
I LOVE this place! There, that's it. Jk, but really - i come 1 - 2 times a week. I'll stop by for lunch or dinner, I'll stop by for a snack if i'm around. The ingredients are fresh and tastey. Your order is prepared right before your eyes. There's very minimal seating, so be prepared for that. I have many times brought a cooler along and carried out, or eaten my tacos while walking walking from the restaurant to the car. Recomendations: Carmaron, Arabe, and Taco Bamba. LEAVE ROOM FOR THE CORN ON THE COB! You're welcome.
(5)Peter K.
The spicy goat and pineapple carnitas were my favorite amongst the various tacos I tried. The corn on the cob is an absolute must try - it's simple goodness that is absolutely delicious. The staff was very friendly and politely answered any questions I had about the food. The food was a bit (but not terribly) pricey but the taste almost justifies it. I have and will continue recommending Taco Bamba to any of my friends who are looking for great tacos and hispanic cuisine.
(4)Jessica H.
I love this place. I'm sad everyone else loves it too, because now it's impossibly busy, and since there's only 10 seats at stools against the wall, that doesn't go well. But I wish them well and hope they open a bigger place in Fairfax! I mean, they have so many great tacos. The house "taco bamba" taco is good, and the soft-shelled crab special was good, and oh my god the ELOTE! They have elote! Corn on the cob with spicy mayo that sticks cotija cheese to the corn. It's not common here, although it's ubiquitous street food in Mexico. My favorite.
(5)Laura L.
I've gone and died and somehow landed in Taco Heaven. Well, Taco Bamba to be exact. This newcomer to the local taco scene (Chef Albisu however is no spring chicken when it comes to food) is the taco place for the rest of us. I was recently schooled by a friend on what entails a real Mexican taco: no cheese, lettuce, beans or tomatoes. No, your taco should only have meat, cilantro, and onions and maybe a red or green salsa all on a corn tortilla. A word about meat: there are gamey meats that are sure to please the slightly more adventurous eater (tongue? tripe? sign me up!) I tried three Taco Bambas which had skirt steak, chorizo, chicharonnes and guacamole which were absolutely fantastic. I ate mine with a green salsa (which can be found right next to the pick up area) which was delicious. The only downside to this taco was that I didn't detect chicharonnes in it-- it was mostly a skirt steak taco (a bad thing? I think not). Taco Bamba would be a slightly more enjoyable experience if there was proper seating. I counted 12 stools at the time and depending on the time of day, could turn your visit into a takeout trip.
(4)Emily C.
Best tacos I have ever had. Seriously, I don't normally crave tacos....but I crave Taco Bamba! All of my coworkers have been converted to taco lovers by this place too. They really are a hidden gem in falls church. Watch out for the crowds on Fridays though! This is a popular place as of a few month ago, so be prepared to eat at a food bar, outside, or carry out.
(5)Julie S.
Excellent tacos! Husband loves the beef and the beef tongue. I really enjoyed the fish. Will definitely be back to try more.
(4)Alejandro V.
So I finally was able to check this place out after hearing great things about it, and to be honest I was a touch disappointed it didn't live up to the hype. Maybe it was because it was close to lunch time and it was absolutely packed, but none the less I wasn't impressed. I ordered the tacos al pastor, and la poutina tacos. The pastor had nice flavors but the pork was too dry, and the poutina was supposed to come with bacon and did not. Now the problem is that they had to people prepping and one guy making the tacos so he was overwhelmed. Credit to him he was pumping food out, but when you have that many tickets you are going to miss things and it showed. I think with better kitchen management this would be a go to.
(2)Rob A.
Great authentic food. You'd never see this place from the road and it's packed at lunch. But it's well worth it. The tacos are good sized but you need a few of them. I had spicy goat and carnitas and they were awesome. Good balance of meat and other stuff and it's fun to try a couple different kinds.
(5)Angel W.
Nice try Taco Bamba. I like the modern taco joint concept, the inexpensive menu, and fast service. But too bad it didn't live up to the hype. The tacos were acceptable though credit goes to the tasty sauces that helped enhance the flavors. The pork tamale was bland and I could barely find any pork fillings inside. The tacos were ok but nothing memorable. Perhaps the most disappointing was the pozole soup (special of the day). I love this soup so much that I regularly make it at home, so I was really excited to try their version. Disappointedly, the soup was watered down and lacked flavor... maybe it needed more onion and lime?
(3)Xtine C.
Holy moly taco heaven! I love this place!!!! It's a clean facility and so many tacos! You can get standard ones and special ones. We got Tinga, Carnita, Black pearl, el baso, bamba, and a pork tamale! My fav is the el baso! It's pork belly and beef tongue and the taste is out of this world. I could eat that all day!!! Best tacos I've ever had! The special tacos are made in a way that the ingredients used work perfectly together!!! Totally beats out any taco truck in the DMV!!!!
(5)Ashley H.
Get the arabe taco. It is to die for. Chorizo tacos are good as well. They have an interesting twist on the normal Mexican food by adding over easy eggs to their enchiladas. A bit on the pricey side compared to other taco places. Some things may not be worth the price but the arabe taco is for sure!
(5)Maria-Elena T.
It was our first time, so we ordered 8 tacos in order to try the place . All the tacos were double shelled. I tried to make it single but then it falls apart. In summary, the Carne asada was dry even with the sauce added; I wouldn't ever order it again. The Tinga (chicken) was too spicy for me but had a lot of chicken in it. The Al pastor was good but spicy. I would order it again as a fix but it doesn't compare to pastor tacos in Mexico. The Black pearl was the best. Definite reorder! The Baby goat was the special of the day and very good. It was better than the goat I had in Monterrey, Mexico. The El beso and the taco bamba were ok. The Tripa was crunchy and weird.
(3)Kimberly S.
3.5 Stars I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Taco Bamba for over a year now so when I heard that it was open via Bryan W I knew I had to stop by for lunch! The restaurant is pretty bare bones, there is the preparation area, an ordering counter and about twelve stools facing the wall to sit at. All of the Yelp reviews I had read raved about how tender and flavorful the lengua was but ever since I read "Ramona and Her Father" by Beverly Cleary, I knew that tongue was something that would never end in my regular eating repertoire. The lady at the counter recommended I get the carne asada and choose two other tacos for a balanced meal. I chose the spicy shroom and the al pastor. My spicy shroom taco was out of this world! Overflowing with thick meaty slices of portobello mushrooms, bits of corn, and creamy cojita cheese, it also had a major heat factor too! The tortilla was also a stand out. It was the perfect companion to all of the different flavors that were going on and tasted super fresh to boot! My carne asada taco was also stuffed to the brim with tons of meat. Like Sylvie mentioned, it was a bit dry and under seasoned. We actually came on the same day within a few minutes of each other so I just don't know if it was a bad batch or what but I was a little bit underwhelmed by this. After eating two tacos I was ready to crawl into my car and take a mid-day nap. The man behind the counter was super nice and wrapped up my al pastor taco for me to take home. Five hours later, I was ready to Taco Bamba again! My al pastor was also a bit dry but flavored a bit better. I had added some of their salsa to it and made a big difference. My boyfriend and I split it and enjoyed it immensely (but not as much as District Taco's al pastor which is super juicy thanks to a pineapple relish they include). Still, no complaints it's a pretty damn good taco! Taco Bamba is still working out a few kinks being open only a few days so I'm sure they will be upping their A Game real soon. I already know that my little brothers are going to be big fans of this place so I am already planning to take them here as a "I Survived Seventh Grade!" treat. Welcome to the hood Victor Albisu!
(3)Bryan W.
Kinda off of the beaten path you will find Taco Bamba! The actual number is 703-639-0505 but not attached to the yelp page or the website since my visit on Tuesday. I walked in to a laid back environment with a counter space for about twelve people and a large open kitchen area. There is going to be a bit of tweeking done with the website as far as pricing goes, for instance it states that tacos are 1 for $3 / 2 for$ 5 / 3 for $8 / 4 for $9. I think after looking into this it was cutting it off at 3 tacos for $8. Be that as it may, I ordered of off the traditional menu and grabbed 4. Suadera - Braised brisket, Carnitas - Braised pork, Lengua - Beef tounge,Tripa- Pork intestines and a side of Elote. Super quick! My favorites were the Tripa, which I have been eating for over 35 years and taste none as tender as this and the beef cows tongue... Ditto! Slightly off the mark was the Suadera and Carnitas. Both were chopped and a bit on the dry side but packed with flavor . You get a choice of sauces and lime wedges on the side. The Elote was juicy, flavorful and worth the three napkins that it took for me to wipe my mouth with! They also offer a Nuestra Taco section with great combinations like :Hueso, Bone Marrow, Burnt Onion Chipotle, Chicken Skin Chicharo, Molleja y Camaron, Sweetbreads and Shrimp, Salsa Verde, soups, Tortas - Sandwiches and even eggs!! Opened for breakfast through dinner!! COME GET SOME!!
(4)Jayson L.
Love this place. Tortas and tacos are just amazing. Pretty much authentic with a little bit of twist. Try their carnitas and fish taco. Awesome! Overall a bit pricey, but the foods gonna make you happy.
(5)Pete H.
Love this place. A hidden gem. Constantly struggle to find decent, authentic Mexican. I like places where my Spanish is necessary and the gringos don't go. This beats them all. Cheap. Great food. Nice folks. Always busy. Not many places to sit so prepare to get it to go. Everything on the menu is good. Can't miss.
(5)Candi W.
If you want something quick, delicious and reasonably priced I'd give Taco Bamba a try. You can basically eat and be satisfied under $12 bucks. I usually get 2 tacos and the corn on the cob ( it's awesome). My favorite tacos so far is the Camaron Diabla (spicy shrimp), Barbacoa (shredded beef), Black Pearl (Fried Tilapia, Spicy Coleslaw, Black Aioli). Taco bamba protein portions are great, I am full usually after two tacos. Chef Caesar comes from an amazing culinary background, you will usually see him on the line as well prepping and serving. I've been there a handful of times and it definitely gets super packed around lunch time. This is my usually go to place when I have a taco craving. I can't wait to try the whole menu.
(4)Carly W.
Awesome, imaginative tacos with really great quality meats/proteins. Only detractor is a lack of seating, and inadequate seating for kids. Not a huge issue, we will be back, just probably not with our toddler.
(4)Janice Y.
This place is so delicious. My goodness! I really loved the Camaron Diabla (spicy shrimp) taco as well as the Spicy Shroom. Very very flavorful little tacos. I ate 4 tacos from here and was very satisfied, but then again... I am a pretty small girl. This place is tucked away in a little shopping center, but with google maps, it's very easy to find. They have seating along the sides of the wall and the place in general looks very clean, but it isn't a large place. I also love how they make all the tacos in front of you. Make sure you try all their spicy sauces! Yummmm.
(5)Darrell R.
Solid. Great offerings of traditional street tacos - I had the carnitas (pork), carne asada (beef), and tinga (chicken) -- all very good. The hot salsa and the medium salsa were great. Also had the fresh guacamole with chips -- very good. Also had the pozole soup -- it was superb. The restaurant is much more suited to carry-out than dine-in; you *can* dine-in, but not sure why you would, unless you were simply too hungry to wait. Next time I will try the "new tacos" menu; based on other reviews, the fish tacos and spicy mushroom tacos seem to be well worth trying. Who knows? Maybe a return visit will tick this review up to 5 stars.
(4)Bonnie L.
Fred L...I came here because of your review! Yours and others who said it was the best, but really because of yours! California DOES have the best tacos. BUT Taco Bamba is the closest that we've found to a good taco out here. I wanted to try the torta that you mentioned but it was $14. The best torta that I've had was also in CA at Tortas Mexico, in Tujunga, CA. (it's $7.29 there) We just got 3 of their specials of the day: 3 tacos and soda for $10 ($30) In CA, you get flavorful meat...over here, some flavors are missing. PLUS in CA, they have DOLLAR taco nights in most taco shops. I mean, that's why my family got hooked on these things! Family dinner for just $10...$12 if we ordered 2 more. the everything-made-order-fresh part applies to CA taco shops as well. ...I enjoyed my tacos and I'll be back but just saying...It's not better than CA's tacos! That's misleading!
(4)Kevin Z.
I really liked this place. Authentic food and they are great if you want to grab something quick. Its one of those hidden gems that you have to discover! All of the tacos are awesome ($3 tacos can't beat it)!
(4)Sacita D.
Fish taco = pretty good. I suggest ordering 2. Mushroom taco = you can taste all the mushrooms, in a good way. The specialty tacos are $4, regular $3. Vegetarian tamal $4, soft, melt in your mouth delicious (with spicy sauce added). Decent stop in. Wait time for to-go order is about 5-7 mins. Close to Whole Foods.
(4)Solange R.
Words can't express how I feel about Taco Bamba. I wish I could just throw a million emojis here with tongues and drool. The Carne Asada, Al pastor, and Taco Bamba are a few of my favorites. Their guacamole wasn't extraordinary but man them tacos were mean. My bf isn't a fan of corn tortillas so I love that they offer flour tortillas too :) Definitely will be going back, again and again and again.
(5)Hugh M.
After doing some shopping at the CD Cellar, my friends and I decided we wanted something that was both delicious and cheap. After doing a little research on none other than Yelp, I decided on this place. We got there and the seating situation was definitely not ideal. There were only stools with limited table area. However, that did not detract from the dining experience whatsoever. There was a variety of cool choices, all of them around $4-5 dollars per taco. I ordered the Black Pearl and the Camaron. They were prepared very quickly; I waited much less than five minutes for my order. Both were very flavorful (especially the Black Pearl) and not too heavy like tacos often are. The experience was augmented further by the wide selection of unique and equally delicious salsas and sauces that could be added - there wasn't a single sauce that I didn't like. Will definitely be returning here in the future!
(4)Lillian C.
I'm one of those rare Americans who doesn't rave about tacos, and now I'm beginning to think maybe I've just had bad tacos until now. From decent to best: Black pearl: it was a decent taco with a fried white fish fritter, a black aioli (which I thought was refried beans at first for some reason), and an unnoticeable slaw, but nothing worth raving about. It was overall mild and even when drowned with salsa there was nothing daringly unique about this taco. If my taco trip stopped here, I would still say I don't care for tacos. Taco Bamba: this is where it gets good! Little pork chicharones crumbled on top of chorizo and carne asada. I didn't notice the guacamole here though. It is paired excellently with their medium salsa. I've never had a taco like this before, and I doubt you'll find another taco that mimics this in a 100 mile radius. El Beso: the crown jewel! Fried pork and beef lengua topped with aioli, and the best part- the charred scallions! OMG. So good! If you ever watched the episode of Spongebob where Neptune ate Spongebob's Krabby Patty, and it was so good, he had to puke it out and eat it again? It felt like that. The radishes are a must and add a peppery zing to your tacos. I prefer the medium salsa the best (orange/red, not the creamy one. ) I'd skip on the chips and guac next time (nothing phenomenal about grilled guac, and the chips are too thick for my liking. ) There's also minimal seating so prepare to stand! My vegan SO raved about the veggie tamale and was impressed by the spicy shroom taco. When I stop by next time, I'll be sure to try the tripe and MAYBE one of the tortas if I can drag along an omni.
(5)Jacob F.
This place is delicious - it's always busy, the food is always fresh, and the reviews on this place are spot on. Perfect place for a fast and healthy lunch. It's located behind the whole foods strip mall - if you're going east on 7, pass it and take the first right until you see a bunch of shops on the right.
(5)K B.
My 25 year old daughter recommended this place when I asked her where you can get good tacos (she's very well informed about these things :) ) My wife and I went over and oh my God, are these tacos great...and may well be the best tacos I've ever had. We tried a variety of tacos when we went; the fish, octopus (really), skirt steak and pork...all excellent. Selection of sauces to put on them also outstanding. Only bad thing is limited seating, which consists of stools along the wall. Nice covered area outside but they don't have tables there for some reason. Will I go back? OH YEA!!! Prices are a little high for a taco, but quality costs and its not too expensive. Also, a little hard to find, its actually in a tiny strip mall behind the larger strip mall with Whole Foods in it.
(5)Caroline F.
Love the tacos! The guac is also excellent but pricey ($5). 4 stars because the steak had been tough before and the pork tamale barely contained meat. Definitely come for the tacos and variety of sauces. The $3 tacos come heavy with meat, so two were actually enough to fill me up but I know most people get 3.
(4)Linda N.
So good and priced well! The chilaquiles are amazing and compare well against the fancy-pants Jose Andres restaurants, and the tacos are unique and tasty. The line is long but moves relatively quickly, so the wait is never that bad - and always well worth it!
(5)Gregg M.
The wife and I had sampled Chef Victor Albisu's Taco Bamba wares at various food events around town, but had never eaten at the actual restaurant until a late Saturday afternoon before a concert at Wolf Trap. Notwithstanding my usual caveat that I have no feel or expertise for what is truly authentic Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Latin cuisine, I do know good food and good value. Taco Bamba delivered that in spades. Nestled in an even more non-descript strip mall than the usual, in truth, the place doesn't look like much. It's very no-frills. While there is a small amount of dining space lined along the walls, Taco Bamba is ostensibly a carry-out place. However, upon looking over the menu, I really didn't give a damn what the place looked liked since the food struck a chord that appealed to me. We started off with an order of the Grilled Guacamole & Chips ($5). The average-sized portion of guacamole was a chunky version, which I far prefer to the smooth, almost puréed to death, versions frequently found. However, while it was a good tasting guacamole, perfectly seasoned with a very subtle spiciness, it lacked any hint of the expected notes that would come from grilling (i.e. smoke, char). Perhaps, my expectations of the grilled guac were too high. The accompanying chips were solid, but unremarkable. Basically, it was an inauspicious start. It turned around quickly. The wife ordered the Corn Carbon ($3.50), which was grilled corn on the cob with mayo, red chili and cotija. Having grown up in the Midwest, I've had my fair share of corn on the cob. This South of the border version was certainly not healthy heart, but it was definitely fresh, rich, flavorful, and delicious. I ordered a small bowl of Pozole Rojo ($6), a soup chock full of tender roasted pork shoulder and giant-sized pieces of hominy. It was bathed in a delicious and spicy (but not in a palette burning way) broth. I love pozole rojo and loved Taco Bamba's version. We also ordered several tacos that were a far cry from Taco Bell and its dollar menu. Priced at $3 or $4 for an individual taco, I had the Birria...spicy goat and Tripa...beef small intestine, both $3 each; and the El Beso ($4) made with crispy pork and beef tongue, charred scallions, and chili aioli. Compared to other gourmet taco vendors, Taco Bamba's were larger in terms of overall size and quantity of filling provided. The spicy goat was savory and satisfying. By the nature of what tripe is and me not knowing how the chef conceived the taco's preparation, the tripa taco was comparatively bland, yet the crispy tripe was also still quite satisfying. In my mind, the El Beso was the "gourmet taco" of Taco Bamba's gourmet tacos. The crispy tongue meat was tender and flavorful, complemented wonderfully by the chili aioli. By a hair, it was my favorite taco of the three over the birria. Overall, Taco Bamba served up the biggest, boldest, best tasting, and best value gourmet tacos I've had in the local area. Service was reasonably fast, considering items (except the guacamole) were all made to order. While it may not be a destination place to eat, since it's way off the beaten track especially if you live in the District or someplace other than Falls Church. It's definitely worth your time and effort if you're in the neighborhood. I highly recommend.
(5)Irene C.
After hearing so many yelpers and friends rave about this taco joint, I've been DYING to try this place out for a week. I was finally able to go during lunch today and we ordered the beef tongue, seared beef, tilapia, shrimp, and spicy goat tacos. All came to a little above $15. When we received our order, my first impression was that the tacos were TINY. I can usually eat 2 tacos to feel full but at Taco Bama, I could probably eat 3 tacos by myself to be full, let alone share 5 tacos with a boy. Shrimp Taco- do not order this. Only had 4 pieces of tiny baby shrimps. Lacked flavor. Beef tongue- surprisingly this was my favorite. Tender chunks of braised beef tongue. Flavorful. Seared beef- too salty for my taste Spicy Goat- It was okay, had more flavor but I'm not a fan of goat meat so naturally, I gravitated away from this one. Tilapia- Came with coleslaw with a fried piece of tilapia and a piece of avocado. The fish was freshy fried and hot but lacked flavor The sauces definitely enhanced the flavor of the tacos. Not all the tacos have tomatoes and onions but they have chopped radish and lime that you can add to your tacos for more flavor. I don't normally crave tacos but if/ when I do, I would rather venture out to District Taco than drive less than a mile to Taco Bamba.
(2)Christine S.
Such delicious, fresh, unique tacos! We had 6 different ones and they were all awesome. Go In knowing that you will likely not get a seat, and if so you're really just leaning against a small counter area, but the food is so so worth it! If you're not into crowds try it during odd hours.
(5)Joshua F.
Seating is bad for a reason - because a million people are trying to get to these amazing tacos. Good lord they are off the chain!!
(5)Paul And Laura D.
This place is my favorite place to eat hands down. The overall quality of the food is some of the best that you'll find at any restaurant, period. I've had quite a few menu items and each one is unique and delicious in their own right, a true flavor experience in every item. I'm beyond impressed with their combinations. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone! The truth is... I'm addicted... So be careful because you will be too!
(5)Virginia V.
I would have given this place five stars. Everything I have eaten has been excellent. My favorite, though, is no longer on the menu (octopus). I don't mind the limited seating or the loud music...it is not an elegant ambiance. We go for the food, and they deliver...except for the last time. My husband's favorite, and now one of mine that the octopus has disappeared, is the taco with tripas (tripe). We ask that they be fried until crispy...and they are delicious. The only problem is that last time they put about 1/4 of the tripe on the taco. We almost couldn't find it! I said something to the girl at the register and she mumbled something I couldn't hear over the noise. My husband then spoke to her and she shrugged. I left the restaurant and phoned and she said the manager would be there the following day. I ask: Who is in charge? My poor husband left hungry. I had also eaten a spicy goat (birria), so that helped a little.
(4)Mosa S.
I really like what this place has to offer. My biggest gripe is that it isn't consistent. I've been 4 times now and only 1 time I would say it was spot on. It seems whenever the big guy with the beard makes my food its just meh. He either leaves an ingredient out or puts the left out ingredient in a taco that's doesn't have that item. Sometimes puts the sauce first rather than on the top which changes the flavor of the taco. The one time I came here a young Latino gentleman made my food and it was spot on delicious. That was the one and only time I've had the pleasure having him cook my food. I understand your game can get thrown off when its real busy. The cooks need to be trained to create a consistent product no matter how busy it is. I will try and go on a week day rather than a busy weekend and see how it is.
(3)Karisa D.
Taco night! Ever since I saw this in a DC food special last year, I have been wanting to come to Taco Bamba. I'm not in this area too often, but I have been to the shopping center across the street to get my fro yo fix at Lava Yogurt. But on this particular excursion, I had a hankering for tacos and figured this was the perfect opportunity for some gourmet tacos. I'm glad that I read the yelp reviews though before hand, because this place is hard to find. I initially thought it was in the shopping center with the Whole Foods. Turns out Taco Bamba is in the shopping center behind the Whole Foods shopping center. It's bright and well lit so it was easy to find once I reoriented myself. When I walked in, I was immediately hit with the smell which was amazing. My mouth watered in just the first few seconds of standing inside and only progressed as I read through the menu. It's a wonder I didn't need a bib but I pulled myself together so I could order. Like their name sake, they specialize in tacos but also offer other Mexican classics too such as Tamales and Chicharonnes. They also offer their breakfast menu all day which I thought was interesting. In keeping with my taco night, I went with 3 tacos plus chips and guacamole. I did a combination of 2 "Tacos Tradicionales" and 1 Taco Nuestro. I ordered Barbacoa, Al Pastor (pork with pineapple) and their Taco Bamba which had skirt steak and Chorizo with guacamole. These tacos were delicious!!! So much flavor in a small package. My favorites were the Al Pastor and Taco Bamba. The pork and pineapple paired beautifully and the meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned. As for their Taco Bamba, I loved everything about it. Everything worked really well and the skirt steak, ohh the steak. I almost took it out of the taco just so I could eat it by itself. It was soo good. I wish there was more than 1 piece of steak in my taco, but that's what you get for $4.00. The prices here are affordable in my opinion. They have a deal of $3.00 for 1 taco (traditional) $4.00 for Taco Nuestro or 3 tacos for $8.00. Note- that deal is only for the Taco Tradicionales and you can't mix and match. You have been warned. The staff here was really friendly. They were patient as I decided my order and answered any questions I had. Muy Bien Taco Bamba!
(4)Omecihuatl M.
well as a first generation mexican born and raised in los angeles and spending at least one day a week at king taco i can tell you what real mexican tacos are and these arent it. The al pastor was good but didnt taste like al pastor. The BIRRIA tacos were on point and were sooooo good and authentic. Carne asada should have a very citrusy marinate and the tortillas should be half the size and for the love of all things mexican WHERE is the tapatio! The food was good, but not authentic. District Taco has hit the nail on the head (except for the big tortillas too) but this place is good for East Coast tacos. The cooks need to go to LA and goto Tacos Mexico or King Taco to see what they should taste like. 2 stars was because the food was. ad, it was good, it just wasnt authentic true mexican. Chorizo was good too but the birria was soooooooooo gooood.
(2)Alan K.
I've been back here a couple times now and I have to give this place a slight downgrade. Some of the tacos are just too greasy and/or salty, such as the chorizo and the spicy goat. In addition, sometimes the wait for your food is very long. It's still worth coming back here to continue to get the pork variations and try some new ones. My friends swear by the spicy mushroom and the octopus, so I'll be back to give those a try.
(3)Dorothy V.
Oh hell to the yeah! This place is awesome. We were running errands in Falls Church on a Saturday afternoon and my hunger gremlins were acting up so my fiance suggested we stop here, as he used to frequent for lunch when he worked in the area. My first time was dope. 80's music, great food, mix of industrial and rustic decor (my favorite) ... perfect. The tacos aren't cheap, but they shouldn't be with the type of ingredients used. When our order was up we were missing one of 6 tacos bit they quickly got another out for us. We each had a Taco Bamba, Black Pearl and Camarones. And we may or may not have split a tamale as well. Thanks, Victor, we'll be back!
(5)Mike J.
Good place, great food! The tacos where exceptional but limited seating and the music was loud. Not family friendly
(4)Daniel O.
I've been here three times and each time I left somewhat satisfied. When compared to the superior tacos in L.A. that you can buy for $1.50 each this place seems dull. In its own right it's not a bad place, but $3+ for one taco is a ripoff. I've had the carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas, chorizo, lengua, tinga, El Beso, and Taco Bamba tacos. They were all okay. The price might have something to do with it not being that great. I don't like how they make it with two tortilla as you just get a mouthful of tortilla and not the goodies inside. I got the Torta Bamba yesterday with a friend and that was actually pretty good. It's a huge sandwich that you have to split with someone. Add hot sauce for more flavor. The corn on the cob is also good as are the chipotle dusted chicharrones (excellent with beer). This place is right by where I live but nothing compels me to want food from here when I pass by. If they lowered their prices, it might seem tastier. Also, a good fixins bar might help.
(3)Absolute Z.
This place is a hidden gem. We cater a lot from this place for work and it is gone in two minutes. It is a shame that this aweosme place is hidden and tucked in a really shabby strip plaza. Finally I found the place and had the most amazing tacos. They have good variety to please all kinda eaters. The salsas are so good!!
(5)Alida H.
$3-$4.50 for taco's is a pretty hefty price...that being said, the food doesn't exactly live up to its hype or its price. Don't get me wrong, the food was actually decently good. I ordered the pineapple/ pork taco for $3 and the tangy and savory tastes melded well... but the flavors did not leave me curious for more. Its a good place to try at least once, but not somewhere worth burning a hole in your wallet for IMO.
(3)Nabeel A.
If you are looking for authentic tacos, this is the place to go. It's in some shady shopping center in Falls Church and could be off the beaten path but it's worth it. Don't expect a fancy sit down restaurant -- it's more of a "On the spot" place. You can sit on one of the stools or outdoor chairs (don't expect tables anywhere). The menu is interesting and has more than you are probably looking for. Check it out.
(4)Amirah A.
Best tacos we've ever had. the whole family enjoyed everything we ordered, which is so rare. We are already planning our next trip, this is going to be our new addiction. Highly recommend it.
(5)Sunny R.
This place is awesome. We drove 25 miles last night based on a friend's review of this place. If you are looking for a cozy, quiet, romantic restaurant, stay away. This is a "fast food" joint in a strip mall. It's a small joint, great food, packed most of the time and only have like 10-15 stools to sit and eat. Don't feel shy to stand and gobble those tacos. That's what I did :) Their tacos are awesome! If you are a vegetarian, try their Spicy Shroom! The best option! If you are fish lover, try their Black Pearl (fried tilapia) taco! If you are lamb/goat meat, fan, try their spicy goat taco. I ate two of those and took one home. The kids had the Tinga (Stewed / Shredded chicken). They luuuved it! They have their mild, medium and hot sauces to use. However if you like habaneros, ask for the Xxtra hot sauce. They have them ready but are given out only if you ask for it. We took a Tamales Pork and Tamal Vegetariano home as well. Wait! I also packed a bag of chips with fried Guacamole. Yum!! I'm still drooling :) Pricing isn't bad, its $3-$4 per taco, in case you wondered. Their menu is here - tacobambarestaurant.com/…
(5)Jon T.
Good, interesting tacos in Falls Church.
(4)Lisa N.
It's gotten much better since I came here when it first opened. The meat is more tender and the sauces have improved! I still think it's a little pricey and takes a while to make, but worth it for authentic tacos! Try the Beso Taco!
(4)Anna Bree M.
So surprised I hadn't heard of this place before! Went during lunch one day. It was super packed but the line moved very quickly. The female cashier was very friendly and suggested I get the octopus, shrimp, and arabe (chicken with yogurt sauce) tacos. All three were phenomenal and the fusion of Mexican and Cuban flavors was spot on. Would definitely go back.
(4)Brooke E.
Yum! Best carne asada tacos I've had since moving to DC from San Diego. It's a fairly small place with just some bar seating and some outdoor chairs. We will definitely be back!
(5)Stacie B.
I'm saddened to report I was not a fan :(. After so many outstanding reviews, I finally tried this place for lunch one afternoon. This place clearly caters to the lunch crowd; it was quite busy and be prepared to wait at least 10-15 minutes. I ordered the taco bamba and chips 'n' guac. First noticed the guac looked like it was prepared the day before, but the cashier said its because they make it on the grill (somehow...). I wasn't really impressed with the guac. Lacked spice and flavor. The taco was just okay, meat was kind of tough. For all the hype I unfortunately wasn't impressed at all. However, I will definitely give them a try again if I'm in the area because I probably just had a bad experience. The reviews are outstanding for this place so maybe I need to try something else.
(2)Alan C.
Definitely one of the best taco joints around. A group of us heads here every week after church. Sometimes, this place is my motivation to go to church. Good selection of tacos, always fresh, always hot, always delicious. I've tried most of the tacos, try the Al Pastor and lengua, two of my favourites.
(5)Lauren O.
Tacos were wonderful. Many filling choices but the tacos could be filled more. Points taken off because they missed my order completely. Eight people ordered after me and got served before me. They were quick to correct it when it was brought to their attention.
(3)Nancy K.
This place is a bit underwhelming, which is disappointing since there really aren't any better taco places in the area. We tried all the popular tacos (El Beso, Pastor, Lengua, Black Pearl) and they were all just...ok. The tortillas weren't as fresh as we hoped and the tacos were pretty oily. I appreciate that they're trying to introduce some new taco combos but we weren't impressed by any of them. Also, none of their salsas were amazing either. Too bad because we were hoping to love this place.
(3)Shay D.
Tacos were amazing! I had the Cameron, El Gringo, and the corn on the cob. It was all fresh and flavorful. Not giving 5 stars because of the obnoxiously loud music they had playing. I had to yell to order because the cashier couldn't hear me. I sat next to a woman with two children as the rap music spit out every curse word and female anatomy reference possible. It really dampens the nuance of the place. Turn it down a few notches and get some edited tracks for crying out loud.
(4)Caroline K.
Came here on Friday evening around 5:30 and the place was completely empty. This was a little concerning and I was starting to think I had made a bad choice, when lo and behold a mad rush of people started filling in behind me. So I got myself to the counter, stat. They have basic tacos that are $3 each or 3 for $8, or fancier ones that are $4 each. Feeling bold, I decided to stick with 2 of the fancy tacos, the Taco Bamba (natch) and the Black Pearl. The Taco Bamba, which is steak, grilled guacamole, and a few other things that I forgot, was really delicious and flavorful. I didn't even need to add any extra salsa, which definitely says something about a taco with a double layer of corn tortillas. The Black Pearl had a large piece of fried fish and was also quite good, although I did smother it with some salsa Verde. The salsa Verde is not spicy at all, but extremely delicious. Pretty sure I could bathe in it. Extra props for the large selection of Mexican sodas (Mexican coke, ayo!!) and Jarritos. I was very content with my Jarritos sparkling water and the 2 tacos. Will definitely be back to try some other parts of the menu, including breakfast which sounded all kinds of delicious.
(4)Ryan T.
Great tacos. This is the best Mexican food I have had in the DC area. It is a very low key and informal place with a walk up counter and a few bar stools. The special beef tendon tacos were delicious!
(5)Sam M.
Small little taco restaurant. Has a few bar type seats but is much better for take out(which I did). Got four of the norm tacos for my first time ( goat, spicy shrimp, Barbacoa, and carnitas). Carnitas and shrimp were my favorite. They have salsas to take but be warned a few are pretty spicy. My order took only five minutes to be ready so I was happy.
(4)Carmen S.
We stopped in here this morning on our way to Tyson's Corner, and each had the breakfast enchiladas. The rice was very flavorful, and their refried black beans were heavenly - topped with crumbled queso fresco. The enchiladas were fresh and yummy, though we added additional salsa to give it a little more kick. The fried egg on top was cooked perfectly. We'll come back for the tacos!
(4)Linh N.
The food is great, sure! But if I'm going to pay $4-5 for a fish taco, it better be loaded. They were so skimpy on the meat, I had a small piece of tilapia on my fish taco. Also we had to wait awhile for the food because they were clearly understaffed on a busy Friday night. Their seating were also very limited.
(3)Lyn L.
i love authentic tacos served on a corn tortilla! Yelpie reviews were wetting my appetite! So, we jumped on the expressway because my stomach was growling. I tried to remain calm as I walked in and saw that no seating was readily available. I salivated while reading the chalkboard menu. I wanted every taco on the menu, as well as that gorgeous looking corn on the cob and fresh made guac. So, I conceded and just ordered one set of fish tacos. Kudos for the double tortilla. The salsa was great, the chips were so authentic and freshly fried, the guac was out of this world. While waiting for our food, we stood at a nearby counter, and a couple of stools opened up. Most people eat and leave, thank you! There were a few people who lingered, thus a minor wait.
(4)Margaret P.
This California girl who grew up with taco trucks and hole-in-the-wall taco shops with the best food you'd ever ate can now safely say, there's nothing in CA she missed anymore, because the tacos (traditional AND 'bambas') are completely amazing. Amazing amazing amazing.
(5)Tou M.
An awesome little tacoria restaurant. The food is made fresh to go or dine in. My favorite menu items are from the traditional tacos menu which are; the cabeza, lengua & tripas tacos along with a side of rice & beans. They also have a great selection of Tex-Mex menu items for the less adventurous folks. I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Lawrence H.
After having tacos in California and Los Cabos, I've been lokking for similar tacos around here. I think I have found the closest thing at Taco Bamba. The tacos here are really good. I've had the Tinga (shredded chicken), Carne Asada, and Taco Bamba. All excellent. I've found my taco fix!!
(5)Michael G.
This place is legit. It was recommended to me by a friend who recently moved from California and works in the area now -- and west coasters know their tacos. The lengua taco was awesome...great texture (not too chewy like most places), really good flavor and sauce. They have some other specialty tacos which are all really tasty. I'd say it's on par with a solid west coast taco spot...way better than anything else in the DC area.
(5)Alan L.
Ok so I'm from Los Angeles CA, where there are more taco restaurants then probably anywhere else in the county. With Taco Trucks left and right everywhere you go in LA from Mexican to Korean BBQ you get some of the best ever. I'm in DC for a business trip and when I left LA my mother made me some Pozole (Mexican comfort food) for me to eat before my flight. I live near the Santa Monica / Venice Beach border and my family lives a few miles east -opposite of LAX. Unfortunately, due to my lack of time I was unable to make it to moms for traditional Pozole. I left LA with a bitter craving in my mouth for Pozole. After arriving, I looked everywhere for some Pozole in the DC area and several restaurants I went to for some reason wouldn't prepare it on the days I would go (even though they would say "weekends only"). I came across Taco Bamba online and even though it was 30 minutes away from me, my coworker and I decided to go for dinner. We arrived at the worst time for an employee, 15 minutes before it closed, because of our GPS malfunction. I went solely for the Pozole and shared 6 tacos with my coworker. 6!! When we arrived the employees were surprised that anyone would come in at that time. The cashier was not really interested in serving us or taking our requests of limes, salsa, garnish, etc. on the side. But I understand. She wanted to go home. Overall the tacos and Pozole was one of the top 3 Mexican food I have ever had, and I have grown up eating nothing but that. It was so worth going to Taco Bamba and I plan on going back before I go back to LA!
(5)Sharon P.
I would have never come across this place had it not been for Yelp. It's in a shopping center that's slightly hidden on Pimmit Drive, and there's plenty of parking spaces here. Let's start with the so-so then end with the good. For seating indoors, it's along the wall with benches and barstools - this made it a little difficult to share with my friends when we went but it wasn't too big of a deal. I can imagine that it'd get pretty cramped during peak lunch time. Also, and this is me nit-picking, their music was... distracting?? At one point it'd be the typical bachata moods of any hispanic joint, then the next song would be a surf-side beach song. Also,the sauces at the benches were definitely American-ized - as in, not spicy enough. Now the reason why I gave them 4 stars. I ended up ordering the lengua (beef tongue) and birria (spicy goat) tacos for $3 each, along with guacamole and a decent amount of chips for $5. So the prices definitely made my bank account happy. And I love that they offer "exotic" meats which were seasoned perfectly and bundled up in a corn tortilla! But for the less adventurous foodies - their spicy shrimp and their taco bamba (chorizo and steak) were delicious as well! (I got to sneak a bite from my roommate's order [; ) I also appreciated that they used two tortillas for the tacos so nothing rips or drips through. I'm definitely going back to try more items on their menu! :) Cheers!
(4)Seth E.
REally good taco shop. I had the Octopus taco last time I was there. All I can say is wow! It was incredible. I got it to go, and almost drove all the way back to get another. I love the selection and the fact that they have some pretty obscure types of tacos. I would highly recommend it, if you are in the area.
(4)Kevin L.
Classic street tacos. Great ingredients, and great execution. Definitely going to be my go to taco place in the future- I suggest getting either the taco bamba or just the normal fajita meat one. They're both good- and cheap
(5)Jack K.
Having checked out the reviews for Taco Bamba (and the obligatory lecture on American obesity from a holier-than-thou reviewer), I finally checked it out. A hole in the wall place located in a small shopping center I didn't know existed. The place was packed--always a good sign. The staff got the food out quickly, however. I had the carnitas taco, and the ground beef. The first was excellent--very tender and substantive. The ground beef was a bit dry, however. A three star experience in California, but here in DC, let's be honest, the choices are limited. So a four star rating for a solid outing.
(4)Ashley I.
I really enjoyed the shrimp tacos, thick juicy shrimp with a flavorful sauce and rice/corn. I also tried the beef enchilada and chorizo tacos, they were fresh and simple. Free refills on drinks. Service was great. Gets pretty busy during lunch hour.
(3)Anna W.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! The black pearl (fish taco) is VERY good. The aioli on it makes the whole taco IMO. The corn on the cob is a must! They grill the corn and spread a mayo chili and top it off with cojito cheese! CHECK THEM OUT IF YOU WANT A GOOD TACO FROM N. VA!
(5)Min Sae C.
******3.5******** So close to the 4th star but a few too many minor issues for me. Wife and her co-workers had mentioned this place several times. Got their 3 tacos and a drink for $10 bucks special which is a nice little deal. Regular tacos are $3 bucks each and their "premium" tacos are $4 bucks each. I always keep thing simple on a first visit to see what their food really tastes like. Carne asada taco, carnitas taco and beef barbacoa taco. Carne Asada taco was solid but lacked a few things. If you are going to only put steak, onions and cilantro in the taco then it better be seasoned. Carnitas taco had a few spices that I personally didn't care for but was well seasoned. Barbacoa was my least favorite. A bit dry and bland Overall, all of these tacos were just missing a little salt and acid. Some cotija cheese would have gone a long way with the steak and pork tacos. Some pickled onions would have given a nice bite to the food as well. I will be back to try their other tacos and torta's (mexican sandwich). Really want to give this place a better rating. Almost there, maybe next time.
(3)Vanessa R.
Pretty good if you are getting the traditional tacos for $10. The other tacos options will run ya about $4 each so a little bit pricey for one small taco. The seating is also limited around the inside perimeter, but their to-go boxes are awesome. If you're a short drive way you can expect them to still be warm when you get home!
(4)Shara W.
My friend and I ate here on Easter Sunday. It's a walk-in place with a few narrow counters with high stools to sit on to eat at, or you can take the food out. Both my friend and I really enjoyed our food. My friend got three tacos, and I got two tacos -- cabeza (beef cheek) and birria (spicy goat) and a small bowl of posole soup. The posole may be the best I ever had. It was stuffed with pork and hominy, and topped with what I assume were chicharrones -- fried pork skin, onions, and cilantro. Truly outstanding. The tacos were also delicious. They were all more stuffed with meat than I usually see, so that my friend couldn't eat her third taco, and I had to waste half my second one. I just could not finish it. I will go again. I may order only the large bowl of posole. It was . . . that . . . good.
(5)Paula B.
I finally made it to Taco Bamba. These are the best tacos I've had in ten years, since visiting Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa, CA. Carne asada taco was fantastically flavorful! In addition to a traditional taco, I tried one of the appealingly creative Tacos Nuestras -- Arabe. Fabulous! These tacos are loaded with layers of flavor. Try them before adding any of the delicious salsas, just to know what you're starting with. The vibe of Taco Bamba did not disappoint -- traditional music, a healthy buzz of diners and take out even at Saturday late afternoon. Just wish I were still hungry. I will be back with friends. No more wimpy bland sucky tacos!!! I had almost given up on finding decent tacos in DC Metro area.
(5)Justin W.
With almost no seating, expensive food, small portions and dull flavors you will not likely see me in Taco Bamba again. I am a fan of the idea of a hip taco joint with creative meats and toppings but it did not come together for me.
(2)Taylor E.
My husband and I tried Taco Bamba after reading tons of positive reviews and seeing how popular they were at Taste of Falls Church. We ordered two specialty tacos, the Black Pearl, and the Taco Bamba. Both were very yummy...I especially liked the Black Pearl--a fish taco. We also ordered 3 regular tacos and ended up paying $16 for all 5. I feel like it's a good deal--comparable to two people eating at Chipotle. The one things we didn't love was the style of tortillas (think Baja Fresh taco)--I'm just more a fan of the flour tortillas for soft tacos. BUT, aside from my waspy personal preference everything was delicious and we'll certainly be back to try more of the menu.
(4)Esmeralda S.
I love this place, best tacos ever. The only reason I gave 4 stars, is because the food is super greasy.
(4)Audra B.
I stopped in on a rainy, December Saturday evening around 730PM. It is an order at the counter and get it to-go type place, but there are a few seats if you want to dine-in. I ordered a little bit of everything on the menu and my favorites were: Fish Tacos Al Pastor Tacos Tamales The service was really great; I had a lot of questions and the lady at the register was more than happy to answer. She also gave me a few samples of meat. I will definitely come back.
(4)Tammy D.
By far the best tacos I've ever had. The place is small and you wouldn't see it from the road... It's a hidden gem for sure!
(5)Matt D.
Wonderful. Only downside was that they didn't have tongue or goat today. But what we did have was delicious. Highly recommend!
(4)Candace C.
Came here on a Friday evening and it was very busy. Had to wait quite a bit for take out and I noticed they ran out of cheese so their manager/owner (Victor???) had to run out to Plaza Latina and get some. The menu has changed slightly, missed that opportunity to take a photo but the website menu looks accurate. The cilantro mixture on one of my El Beso was extremely salty and I had to eat parts of the taco that weren't the cilantro. Someone must have doubled up on the seasoning and didn't realize it or they were covering up something. In any case they were very busy and it's understandable. Hopefully it's not indicative of a trend of quality in light of more business.
(3)David R.
Delicious tacos, but it's pricey for the portions you get. A bit disappointed about the size. But nonetheless, very delicious.
(4)Keith W.
I would not have a problem eating here everyday of the week. The Black Pearl is majestic. You really can't go wrong with anything you order here. This place is worth the trip if you don't live in the area.
(5)david k.
I'm not a traditional Mexican taco expert. I do know flavors and textures. The tacos were a bit on the dry and bland side and I kept looking for the hot sauce to moisten things up. Doing so, probably hid the great flavors of the carne asada that I ordered. I would come here for a quick bite but to get filled up would cost you. The torta bamba was an amazing sandwich with layers and layers of meats and flavors. I wish I would've gotten one of those as that was the right amount of everything. Don't get me wrong, it's a shareable sandwich, but you will be glutton status after finishing one solo. I would definitely try this place again when i'm down there again to try more of their menu.
(3)Kimberly W.
Best Tacos ever ! We each had one Taco Bamba and a Shrimp taco. Both were amazing ! Love this place and love Del Campo !
(5)Christina D.
Tacos were tasty - rice was pretty good. A fresh selection of sauces & condiments to go. Great service.
(3)Ananya M.
This is by far my go-to place for tacos in the area. What I really like is that Taco Bamba takes it down to basics. The basic tacos all consist of just meat and a double layer of corn tortillas - no fancy toppings. And when they do include extra topping, such as in the Al Pastor (pork with pineapple), the result is fabulous. The four choices of salsa (green, red, hot, habanero) allow me to have a different taco experience pretty much every time I eat here by mixing and matching. The habanero will satisfy your craving for heat, as it's really quite spicy. I always make sure to grab a Mexican Coke to put out the fire. Restaurant itself is quite small, not too much sitting room. I usually take out, though, so this isn't a huge problem for me. Been here countless times in the past few months, and can't wait to go again!
(5)Kim L.
This is a great find and now my new favorite taco spot! Delicious and reasonably priced for the quality and amount of meat you get. I love the Arabe -- especially the bread!! I will definitely be back.
(5)Elias B.
Fantastic specialty tacos. Chips and guacamole are great too. They have this ridiculously sized torta sandwich with like 15 kinds of meat. Amazing thing - I saw some guy scarf one down in five minutes. It was impressive although I'm sure he was hurting later.
(5)Gloria P.
I literally just came here two nights in a row because the tacos are THAT good. Tacos are authentic Mexican style with corn tortillas and a variety of options from Al Pastor (pork and pineapples) to Lengua (beef tongue) and Tripa (beef intestines). I tried the Al Pastor and Taco Bamba taco and they were both amazing. Everyone needs to come check out this hidden gem.
(5)chitown g.
This is by far the best taco place in Nova I've been to so far but keep in mind I just moved here four months ago. Beef tongue had really good flavor but was a tad bit dry. Spicy goat was also good but definitely required salsa added to it. So not THE best but best I've had so far around here.
(4)Cee D.
Great tacos, like the specialty section specifically the taco bambo. Limited seating and busy so you get hot fresh good with little waiting but seats are hard to find.
(4)Eomf D.
This place is ok. Not bad for a Peruvian/Cuban's take on the national dish of Mexico. It's definitely on the better side of any taco you will find in the DC area. It is not the best taco in the DC area, and it's not on-par with the good tacos you can find in Southern California or DF. I am a regular visitor and have tried all the meats. I think the most authentic meat is the carnitas. The texture and seasoning is right-on. I've also had their pozole and it's not bad. Especially if you haven't had a good pozole in a while, it will fill the urge. The pozole's broth lacks the depth of flavors you're likely to taste if you grew up eating pozole from Mom's kitchen. I've heard their sopes are better than their tacos but cannot confirm. Everytime I go in there I get tacos. I also recommend their horchata, it's good. The location is nice, albeit small. It's obviously a victim of its own success. It can be a long wait if you show up during one of their rushes. I don't claim to know how the carts/lunch trucks in Cali or Mexico are able to pump out such a large number of tacos in such a short period of time, but this place is nothing like those other establishments. It takes a while to get your food, but you won't be disappointed with the tacos.
(3)Dave U.
This is a small establishment behind the large Whole Foods on Leesburg Pike. There is basically no seating available if you come during the lunch hours. We found a couple seats in a corner after a person left. The chips and guac were very good. The tacos were stuff to the tops, thus the reasoning behind a double tortilla. It can get quite messy and we were glad to be sitting while eating these very messy handheld dishes.
(3)Julie M.
This is a great hole in the wall place and people from my office love coming here when they have time. I haven't been back since they just opened and I had to go gluten free so we decided to give it a shot later in the afternoon when it was slower. I was very thankful that the chef was very knowledgable and took the time to ask how sensitive I was. Based on that he told me what I couldn't have (which was only five items). Everything else was GF! He said he hasn't killed someone so far and hopes to keep it that way. I had the tongue, goat and steak and they were just as good as I remember. I had no reaction :) Everyone is different so I would double check before giving it a shot just in case. Just a side warning if you get the goat and are squeamish about it - you may find a bone now and then. I didn't mind this since it let me know it was made in house I just wished I knew ahead of time to look out. The parking lot during rush food hour can be a bit tricky so I recommend going on less peak hours to get a spot!
(4)Sarah F.
I appreciate their efforts to offer more vegetarian options. When Christian was working here, he made me some INCREDIBLE mushroom tacos and squash tacos. Would love to see vegan options, too. This is the best place for quick Latin food in the DC area.
(4)Madison F.
Love love love. Try the one with the beef tongue!!! Honestly everything I have tried was amazing. The el gringo was what I started with and haven't been disappointed since.
(5)Andrew G.
Easily the best tacos in the DC-VA-MD area. Puts all other Mexican taco joints to shame. Fantastic flavor combinations and interesting meats. TacObama!
(5)Ryan W.
First i thought i was fine living my life. Then my life began when i had a camaron taco... Then i delightedly tried a few other tacos nuestros. I was given the midas-ito touch: everything i ate was wonderful beyond all time and space. I firmly believe that heaven will serve taco bambas tacos.
(5)Sarah Y.
This is the closest thing to LA tacos. Enough said.
(5)Karen V.
Er-mer-God! What a cute little taco place! The tacos are as good as it gets. I had the octopus with bacon, lengua and steak! mmmm mmmm! I can't wait to come back. You can smell the delicousness from a mile away. the line might be a little long, but the music while you wait is great, I was jamming the whole way.
(5)Britney C.
Excellent carne asada taco and chicken flautas. Love the guacamole. Pricing is extremely affordable.
(5)Jen M.
Came here with my nephew and love this place! I had the spicy shroom and it was definitely spicy but so so good. The nephew had carnitas tacos and said it's the best Mexican he's ever had! Cute place...Will definitely come back!
(5)Andrea W.
I can rock with Taco Bamba. I've been here twice now, and both times I enjoyed my food. I got the Tinga, Taco Bamba, Black Pearl, and chips and guac the first time. My favorites were Black Pearl and Tinga. Bamba, I probably would not get again. After all of that I was stuffed tho. The next time I went I only got two tacos, Tinga & Carne Asada, and chips and guac. I think from now on, two tacos are my limit. The meat in the Tinga was flavorful for me, and they give you a lot of it. I also like the flavor of the fish in the Black Pearl. I'm not quite sure how they make the fish in the place, but they work it out some how. I didn't see a fryer anywhere, but I wasn't really looking all that hard for one either. The carne asada, the flavor didn't jump out at me, but I wasn't thinking it was bland either. Taco Bamba, like I said up top, I wouldn't get it again. Overall, its a good quick dinner or lunch spot I can run to get tacos if I'm in the mood. I'm not very ballsy when it comes to food, so I would not try the tacos with tongue, intestine etc; and I very rarely eat pork or beef, so it really limits my options when I come here, but I always have my go to Tinga & Black Pearl. I will say I was hesitant to review this place because I didn't want more people to start coming here. Right now, its quick, but if it starts to get busy, I can see a major back up just waiting to happen. One slightly unnerving thing, while I was in there the second time, one of the cooks took some red sauce out of the refrigerator and smelled it, twice, then she went over to someone else and asked them to smell it. I guess after 3 sniffs it didn't smell that bad and they proceeded to use it. But shouldn't there be dates or something on the container to let them know how old it is and if it should be used? And having to smell it 3 times...I didn't get sick or anything because my food was already being prepared without the red sauce, but I'm just sayin.....
(3)Ducky B.
Being able to mix and match incredibly unique taco and non-taco items, each between $3-5 bucks makes this amazingly authentic and superbly flavorful joint a no brainer for my husband and me every weekend since we first visited months ago. My favorite - the huevos rancheros! We love the easy vibe and the clean utilitarian buildout and the open kitchen. It fits. We did gasp this past weekend at the across the board $1 price increase on all breakfast items! Ouch! Maybe a no brainer, no more? We will see.
(4)A K.
The amazing deliciousness that is this place has consumed my thoughts since my first visit. I cannot recommend this place enough. I miss you taco bamba... Pork confit, come on - crazy good.
(5)Payal D.
I'm not sure what all the hype is about but it could be because i'm a vegetarian. I had the mushroom tacos and the veggie tamales and both could have used more flavor. I tried to spice them up with the sauces but none of them were really all that spicy to me. The corn on the cob on the other hand was OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZING!!! So good that I def finished every single kernal on that cob! $4 per taco is a little high considering the size. Not much room to eat inside. There are lots of tables outside but no tables. I would suggest adding some tables outside to enhance the dining experience.
(3)Al H.
Opening day! Good tacos, good salsa, although it could have been a little spicier the flavor was great... it is nice to see the tacos served in a traditional way. I had suadero, tripa, lengua and pastor. Suadero and tripa were the best of those, I'll have to go back to try the rest they have in the list. Even ended up smelling like taco grease on my way back to work... brings back memories. Five stars for that.
(5)Edward S.
A bit overseasoned
(3)Jacquelyn C.
The food was not worth the over 40-minute wait. When I finally got back to my office, my tacos were sparse & sloppy.
(2)Courtney G.
Fresh, unique tacos! Really enjoyed the Taco Bamba (delicious steak and chorizo) taco. Would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are in the Falls Church area. The staff there is very nice and on top of delivering good food. Kind of pricey though if you want 3 specialty tacos (normal sized meal) then its $12.
(4)foodie b.
Tried this taco joint because of a friend's recommendation. They had a good size menu and even offer breakfast items. Also have a few sauces to pick from and sliced radishes to add on top (great idea for extra texture and crunch). However, the tacos lacked flavor. A good taco shouldn't have to taste good with sauces and extra stuff on top. That's just to enhance the flavor. I wouldn't go back because there's an even better one closer to home. Tipicos Gloria in Herndon has great tacos. A real hole-in-the-wall but their tacos don't need any sauces. Just a squeeze of lime on top and you're good to go!
(3)Kathleen S.
I realize that this place is all the rage. It is good but not worth going out of your way for.
(2)Mickey L.
All cuisines have the potential to be excellent. Unfortunately, my dining companion and I had not come across a Mexican restaurant that we both wholeheartedly love... that is until we tried Taco Bamba! What makes Taco Bamba amazing are their freshly-made, bright, hearty, and flavorful tacos served in similarly cheery counter seating. The tortillas for the tacos are griddled to order, the meats have a nice braise/char to them, and the free condiments (sliced baby radish, lime wedges, and verde sauce) really add a refreshing balance to each meal. Not only is everything served hot and fresh to order, the prices are very reasonable for the decent portions ($8 for 3 traditional tacos) and exciting flavors that are a good blend of traditional with contemporary. Our favorites so far have been... - Al Pastor: A nicely grilled pork taco with refreshing sweet-tartness from the pineapple really complement one another. When we took our student here, he was pleasantly stunned by how wonderfully the flavors meshed. - Barbacoa: A deeply-flavored and braised shredded beef taco, this one works perfectly in tandem with our favorite condiments, especially the refreshing tomatillo-based verde sauce. - Camaron Diabla: Delicate in flavors, the more we eat it, the more we enjoy the shrimp, its lightly spicy and tomatoey sauce, the herbeceous rice, and creamy chartreuse mayo. - Birria (Lamb): Like the barbacoa but with a slightly gamier flavor, it is a hearty and satisfying. - Bamba Fried Chicken: A spectrum of flavors from the crispy fresh-fried chicken tender with fragrant chipotle-honey, crunchy jalapeno slaw, and tart red chilies, this one is good to start with along with the Camaron Diabla. Now that we found our go-to Mexican restaurant, if we can only find a great Thai spot...
(5)Antonio C.
The Black Pearl fish taco is absolutely delicious. The Spicy Shroom is also very good, and spicy as the name implies. Only wish there was more seating in this place.
(5)Teena P.
I've always and I mean always been on the search for real, good, mouthwatering, authentic tacos... I moved to this area nearly 14 years ago and have not tasted anything anywhere close to Taco Bamba. Being from California has made me ridiculously picky about what i would consider "authentic" Mexican food. With that being said, THIS PLACE IS DELICIOUS. When i get the chance to fly back west I almost always make sure I make it to King Taco in LA for some sopes, but now that this has opened not far at all from where I live currently, it won't be too hard to satisfy my craving. Yes, the sopes and the traditional tacos are good, but the specialty tacos (taco nuestros), and specifically their TACO BAMBA, IS TO DIE FOR! Drench that with all the hot sauce you can eat and enjoy. Oh, their service is impeccable. Went there for the first time and i've never seen someone so delicately wrap my tacos to-go in that manner. HIGH FIVE!
(4)D. K.
Finally, legit tacos & I don't have to travel to east LA to eat them
(4)Sarbpreet S.
Garbage! Taco Bell gives bigger portions than this place and it's mad expensive. Not worth it.
(1)Joe C.
I wanted to love Taco Bamba, especially after all of the great reviews. My advice is to steer clear of the carnitas and the barbacoa. I believe the first three main ingredients include grease, grease, and more grease. I seriously had to drain my tacos from the oozing grease. Great ingredients, but really horrible execution in putting it all together. Almost a quarter inch of grease from two tacos is just unacceptable. Grilled meats on the taco were much less greasy, however overcooked. Crispy flank steak is not something I care to experience again. You can tell the product is fresh, however execution falls short. Lunch for 2 was $38......not worth the price of admission, especially since the only thing I would want to eat again is the corn on the cob and El Gringo taco.
(2)Pauline M.
I absolutely love this taco spot!!! $8 for 3 tacos is definitely worth it! You can mix and match different kinds. My only complaint about this place is it isn't bigger! They need to expand their seating. I always get the Al Pastor or Barbacoa. So delicious! The service is terrific! I used to work around the area and I visited so often that the chefs and cashiers started to recognize me. You won't be dissapointed when you visit this place. Best tacos in NOVA.
(5)Dave S.
i had very high expectations for this place because my coworkers said it was amazing. I thought it was really good but not quite amazing. I had the shredded beef tacos. The choices of meats was impressive and had a very authentic taste.
(4)William D.
This is LA quality tacos in VA. Super happy to find this tucked away spot. Plenty has already been said about this spot, but I would recommend getting the new tacos over the regular ones. The Black Pearl and the BFC were excellent.
(4)Nat T.
aw, I'm sorry taco bamba! i'm a taco snob and while these are super good and you have a really great menu, i've had better tacos (albeit not in VA) i LOVE that you use corn tortillas. i LOVE what appears to be your homemade guac. i can't put my finger on it, but i was just whelmed by my tacos. not underwhelmed or overwhelmed. just whelmed. it looks like i'm the minority, so try this place out for yourself xx
(3)Rob L.
This place was absolutely incredible. It's just a tiny little taco place tucked into a shopping center behind Whole Foods, but you can tell it does big business. It's standing room only and when I went there on Saturday afternoon for lunch, it was packed. I didn't try any of the tacos, because I'm not a huge fan of corn tortillas. However, I did get the Choriqueso Torta while my wife got the Torta Bamba. The Choriqueso was awesome, although I think it probably could have used something to balance the greasiness out. Maybe mix some grilled chicken into it? The Torta Bamba was ENORMOUS. Easily could have been two meals. It was a little pricey at $14, but you absolutely get your money's worth. Not only was it huge in quantity, but it had excellent quality too. The meat and ingredients were all fresh and well cooked. My only regret is that I don't live close enough to visit this place frequently.
(5)Bernard P.
I moved back to NOVA from Los Angeles. The tacos in this place looked like they had potential however they were flavorless. I tried the carnitas and a number of others. This was the first time I had flavorless carnitas. I tried all of the most popular and they were all flavorless. I went back for breakfast hoping the experience would be better. It was the same. No breakfast Burritos either. Try Fuego in Arlington. They have excellent tacos.
(1)Mary K.
This place is great! As the daughter of a Mexican restaurant owner, I'm pretty picky when it comes to taco joints, but this place really hits the spot. Decently priced and a great range of tacos. I highly recommend.
(4)K Y.
Best tacos in the area. I've tried most of their menu and you can't go wrong! The beef tongue is Delish!!! The only downside to the restaurant is the lack of seating, particularly during the lunch rush.
(5)Elise M.
Fabulous tacos and kids menu a plus! It was a great place to stop and get take out feeling like I'm getting home cooking but was also super quick and the staff were friendly and helpful. I will definitely be returning to Taco Bamba!
(5)Heather M.
This place is great! Tons of options, friendly staff, and lots of parking. It's cool they have lots of different kinds of tacos (lamb, meatball, etc), and are all decently priced $3-4 a taco, they also have a really good deal for groups- 12 tacos for $32. My date and I tried a variety of unique and traditional tacos, and both agreed that the chicken (which we didn't even order, but were given a free sample of) was the best. I'll definitely come here again if I'm in the neighborhood, but I'll stick with my beloved El Chilango as my go-to for more authentic Mexican taco experience.
(4)Jelli F.
Awesome tacos. Awesome. I'm a tough critic for tacos; I'm from Texas and spent time in Mexican border cities off and on over the years. (Mexico City, too, though the food is so different there...) Everything I've tried at Taco Bamba is good, though I'd pass on the fish taco (but only because I don't like fried fish in my taco.)
(5)Renee A.
This by far is better than any take out Mexican restaurants in the area. You can't go wrong ordering 3 tacos for $8. I have tried a few different combinations and you that are all really good. The carne asada (made from thin marinated beef steak) is amazing. The salsa is so good - they have three types: hot, medium and mild. If you add all three with a squeeze of lime and some radishes as toppings you are in taco heaven. This is a hidden little gem off of 7 on Pimmit Drive and I want to keep it that way. Don't expect a fancy pretentious sit down restaurant, if you want that go to DC. But do expect great tacos!
(5)Silvia C.
I had the taco bamba, BFC, and carnitas. They have their menu set up with traditional tacos and specialty tacos (which are $1 more). The traditional carnitas was just as good as the "tacos nuestros." The taco bamba was great, I love hanger steak and pickled peppers. The BFC was sweet and tasty. But the carnitas taco was so juicy and flavorful...if you go, don't overlook the traditional tacos - they are just as exceptional!
(5)Les R.
Really great fish tacos, good salsa, chips, reasonable prices and all around great spot. Could use a few more places to stand and eat but will be back soon.
(4)Jenn S.
Generous servings of high quality ingredients inside each taco, primo flavor combinations, a welcome addition to the neighborhood. On most days you can be entertained by the adjacent MMA studio's fighters while waiting for your order.
(5)Devo H.
This is a very solid taqueria. Some say the price point is too high but my response is, go to Taco Bell. I've been twice and each time I was satisfied with my order. I do agree with an earlier review that the sauces could be spicier, but I'm from NM so nothing is hot enough. My only complaint are the girls behind the register. They confuse my order every time. Two tacos and one sopa is not that challenging. Must be a Millennial thing. Check this place out.
(4)Jasper S.
The place is tucked away in a smaller shopping center behind the larger Whole Foods Plaza on Route 7. If your GPS is like mine you may be scanning the larger place in vein. Their parking lot is pretty small and was crowded when I went, but I parked in the Whole Foods lot and walked around. I went around 12:30 p.m. on a Friday and it was pretty full, although it's a tiny place so it doesn't take much. There may have been 40 people. The wait to order was very short, but there are a good number of menu options and I had to get help from the cashier understanding how it worked. It seems the desire to present the options in a unique way overrode the desire for immediate clarity. Overall though, I appreciated the selections and I probably could have figured it out in a couple of minutes. The prices were reasonable for the fare, and the service was polite, My one hangup is that for the number of people, the type of food, and the standard assembly line setup I felt that I waited an unusually long time. I saw at least one person who waited even longer. I imagine it's because they are still fairly new and figuring out the process - again space is limited and there are a lot of moving parts. I was mildly annoyed by the wait, but willing to give a pass. The food itself was pretty straightforward - I had the traditional double layered mexican tacos. The extra shell always makes them a little mealy to me, but the flavor of the meat was strong enough to overcome that. I got 3 beef tacos, one of each kind of beef and was satisfied with them all, though I liked the seared beef the best. All in all, as you can see from my star rating I wasn't wowed, but I will almost surely give it another shot at some point in the future. I'd say if you like the tacos at District Taco you will probably like Taco Bamba. P.S. The sauces were pretty tasty.
(3)Mark S.
Sitting in a strip mall behind Jason's Deli and Whole Foods on Route 7, this place would be easy to miss..... But don't! Authentic tacos like tripa and lengua, as well as interesting and innovative combos make this my new favorite. Chef Victor Abisu hits it out of the park! While I still love District Taco, the authenticity and variety here have won me over. Can't wait to go back and explore the menu some more.
(5)Joe P.
So far, has not failed on flavor and quality. Can be quite busy, which is always a good sign. Good portions, perhaps a bit pricey. Have tried the tacos bamba, the enchilda sopes, the spicy 'shroom and carne asada tacos. The corn on the cob is yummy. Forget good nutrition here....go for the flavor. Will be a regular customer and will try other items on the menu.
(4)Heather F.
Wow, spicy shroom tacos were amazing. As was the carnitas and everything else we ordered. It was very busy for 1:30 on a Sunday, no place to sit but fun to watch the cooks hustle. Looking forward to trying again soon.
(5)Stephanie G.
This place is amazing! So many different tacos to choose from and the arroz con leche is delicious! Highly recommended!
(5)Eric T.
Very hit or miss. Some of the more basic tacos(shredded beef,chicken) are really good. Some of the more exotic ones (spicy mushroom, fish)are pretty mediocre. A bit overpriced for what you get in my opinion. If you get 3 tacos that are considered "specialty" and a drink, you will pay around 15. A little more than I'd expect from almost a strictly take out place. Their menu has an abundance of taco types but very limited on sides. Being generous in Giving it a 3 based on the 2 awesome tacos I had out of 6. I don't plan on going back soon
(3)Keith B.
I went last Saturday and liked it enough to go back again on Saturday. The food was inconsistent. The taco bamba on Saturday was, well, the bomb. On Sunday, everything tasted a little overcooked and dried out, especially the carnitas. I prefer this to District Taco, but my kids like the build-your-own system at District Taco.
(4)Andrew Y.
Delicious. Absolutely awesome tacos, and the habanero salsa is potent. Definitely coming back.
(5)Neno D.
Being from California, I know a good Taco. This place performed quite well for being on the opposite coast. I got the Al pastor, Lengua and the Chorizo, and it was all worth it. Tortillas were nice and warm, meats were very well season, had some great chunks of charred pineapple and perfect amount of onion/cilantro on top. The salsas they had out were great, especially the green-medium sauce, great flavor. Anytime your in a mood for a taco, go here and get some! We will be back!
(4)C W.
My sister took me here over the weekend, otherwise I would have never known about it. It's tucked way in the corner of a strip mall. I like that you can order individual tacos. Although they are $3 each, I thought it was worth it. I ordered the Carnitas, Al Pastor, and a Pork Tamale. They have 3 different sauces: the medium is the BOMB! I liked everything I ordered, I wish the pork were cut smaller in the Al Pastor, but the combination of pineapples and pork was delicious! Will definitely go back to try other combinations/flavors.
(4)Brittney V.
This place...wow. I'll start with the fact that two bites into the first taco, I told my boyfriend I wanted to eat these tacos for every meal, every day, the rest of my life. We first ordered chips and guacamole. The chips were not hot, but fresh. And the guacamole tasted different than any guacamole I'd had before. I'm not sure why but it was really good. I got 3 tacos: Lengua, the Black Pearl, and Spicy Shroom. The lengua was my absolute favorite. It was just straight beef tongue in a soft corn tortilla with cilantro and white onion. The flavor was amazing and it was perfectly fatty and delicious. The Black Pearl was a strip of fried tilapia with a spicy slaw, shredded carrot, and a black aioli. No idea how they may the ailoi or the slaw, but it was delicious. The perfect amount of spice and sweetness, especially with a fresh squeezed lime. The Spicy Shroom was good, and was the spiciest. It was a tiny bit too spicy for my taste but really tasty just the same. Chipotle portabello, corn, cheese, and pepitas. The cotija cheese was a nice respite from the spice. You also have to try their 3 salsas: green (mild), red (medium), and orange (spicy!) Both the cashiers and cooks were incredibly friendly, and the food was prepared quickly and came out fresh and hot. Seriously, I'm in love with this place. I might have just found my new favorite lunch spot.
(5)Jack P.
Excellent- Putting this into my Tysons Gym Rotation.
(5)MJ S.
As San Diego transplants we've been looking for great tacos in the DC. We found them! Everything is well seasoned well cooked fresh and delicious. Great salsas and that spicy shroom really is very spicy. Try the tender lengua and enjoy perfectly chewy and charred tortillas. Big portions and good prices for super quality food.
(4)Carolyn S.
Fresh, yummy tacos. Unique flavor combos. Place is really COLD inside though, and there are not many places to sit- so plan on taking the food to go.
(4)Julie W.
Honestly I never thought I would find good tacos in NOVA like I would down the street from my old house in San Diego. This place is delicious, no tacos el Gordo's but better than the taco shop down the street from where I used to live in southern Cali. If you have never had real tacos before then you will think this place is the best taqueria ever! But if you have had tacos in socal, then you will think it's in between ehh and awesome. However, don't get shredded pork or any shredded meat. That's not the real tacos experience from Tijuana. You want the real tacos experience? Get the enchilada and al pastor tacos with some lime and salsa verde! Yum! Shredded meat is nice, if you like chipotle, but that's not a real taco. Their carne asada is delicious too. The enchilada meat is like an adobada spiced pork taco. It's not actual enchiladas lol They also have corn on the cob like how they do it in Mexico on the side of the road... Delicious! I had low expectations coming in because I'm a SD taco snob and I was pleasantly surprised. :-)
(5)Justin R.
Wow, this place is awesome. It is the perfect small taco dive kind of place that makes authentic taco's that you don't find at your standard Mexican or tex mex place. What makes this place stand out though,is that in addition to the authentic traditional tacos like pork, steak, and beef tongue, Taco Bamba tries to get creative. Today when I went for lunch, they had a sweetbreads taco for $4 dollars. I was in shock that anything with the word sweatbreads could be had for 4 bucks, but was even more shocked by how good it was. Top it all off with the fact that they also serve real Mexican street corn on the cob, with mayonnaise and seasonings rubbed all over. This place is a must.
(5)Keum Y.
Great to have a good taco place nearby. I really liked El Pastor, Fish and Braised chicken tacos. Will definitely order again.
(4)V L.
Went here for a quick lunch...very good tacos. Excellent flavor...Order the Taco Bamba!
(4)Daryl R.
This new taco joint is great, you just need to have a realistic expectation for what it is: a taco joint! And a damn good one at that. Being from Southern California, I have been waiting and hoping for a place like this for a long time. Is it the best taco I have ever had? No, but it is the best taco I have had in Northern Virginia, and I have been here 14 years. The more exotic tacos are the best. The veg tamale was also quite good. As of this writing they have only been open 3 weeks, so are still working out some kinks. But I would recommend you check it out, especially if your idea of good Mexican fare is something more authentic than Chevy's!
(4)Catherine S.
First visit - we had the Taco Bamba - superb! Fish (tilapia) just ok, but the star was the Nopale Taco - 10 stars if I could
(5)Mike M.
As authentic as you can get for tacos. The food is always fresh and the staff has always been very nice. If you do not like corn tortillas they have flour tortillas, you just have to ask and if you want a taco you do not see on the menu they will create it for you. Will be a regular here!
(5)Azfar A.
Wow! Outstanding. Just had Sunday Breakfast. They open 6:30 everyday. Very nice, very polite. Food was excellent. Price was excellent. I got huevos rancheros. Top notch and I grew up in Texas so I know Mexican food. This was on par with back in the lone star state. Only down side not too much seating.
(5)Osmar A.
Hidden behind the shopping center where Whole foods is. If you've ever had tacos in Cali and have been missing them...Tacos Bamba brings the same flavor and ingredients that are to die for.
(5)Jennifer B.
I would give Taco Bamba 4 stars if they could ever manage to get my order right. Lesson learned: open up the bag of food and check the order before leaving, rather than assuming it is correct when it is handed to you...and driving all the way home before realizing half of it is missing.
(3)Carol H.
I walked into this place today and it happened to be opening day. I had one taco al pastor and one taco de carne asada. The al pastor was good but lacked something that I can't specify. The carne asada was good but could have had more cilantro and was a bit dry. I also bought 6 tamales, 3 green, 3 red. The green tamale was on the dry side and my son said it lacked flavor. I haven't tried the red yet. I lived in Mexico for years and have eaten my share of tacos. For the DC area, these were decent and I think that with a bit of tweaking, can be great. DC is growing in taco restaurants so it's nice to have this place in the burbs, near Falls Church City and Tysons. The prices are very good and the atmosphere is also nice and authentic. I will go back and try some of the other items on the menu. The tortillas could be slightly thinner but they served the tacos with two tortillas which is the way it should be. Again, I will return because I love tacos and it's convenient but I do think they need to work on their flavoring. I write this review because I selfishly want this place to be great!! Staff was very friendly. Felicidades y buena suerte!
(3)John H.
OK. Went yesterday and tried the carne asada taco, beef tongue taco and taco bamba. They were just OK. Not good enough to pay $3 each for the carne asada and beef tongue and $4 for the taco bamba. The carne asada was bland and not enough cilantro and onions. The tongue had a little more flavor but again not enough cilantro and onions. Taco bamba had the most flavor but was ok. I would rather get a pound of ground round and use taco seasoning for around $5 to make 10 tacos. Better than most places I tried tacos but having lived in So. Cal. most of my life, this place would not last long in So Cali. Cannot charge $3 for a bland carne asada taco. I give them some credit for giving out radish but it should be a whole radish and not sliced. The ones I got was dried and did not have that crisp radish flavor. I may go back and give it another try with some other tacos but for those mexican food snobs like me, you can pass.
(3)Toni P.
Fantastic tacos! The location is tucked in a small strip mall behind Whole Foods, so it can be a bit difficult to find. There are bar stools and bar seating along 2 interior walls, so it is a bit difficult to find seating for a group, and the place was packed at lunch time on a Tuesday. The best option is to get it "to go". I tried the chorizo taco, the chicken tinga taco, and the vegetarian tamale. The chorizo was crumbled (not sliced) and had a nice, mild, spicy flavor. It was not too greasy, which I enjoyed. The chicken tinga was shredded chicken breast meat that was very juicy and also nicely flavored. Both tacos were topped with chopped onion and cilantro. The tamale was a good size, but the vegetable filling was a bit lacking (it was mainly masa). The food was packed very nicely in a to-go box filled with 3 different sauces. My husband got carnitas tacos and loved them. Lots of traditional and not-so-traditional options, and service was quick and friendly. We will be back soon!
(5)Anna P.
The tacos are so good! Closest thing to authentic when going out. Just perfection in every bite
(5)Cristel Y.
I spent over an hour looking for places where I can get authentic tacos and this place really satisfied my cravings. I just moved from LA and so my expectations for tacos are very high. Instead of trying the specialty tacos they have at the restaurant, I decided to go with the originals. I got some tripas (beef intestine), lengua (tongue) and al pastor tacos. Tripas = Awesome Lengua = awesome, tender meat Al pastor = not so great. It wasn't so great just because the meat was very oily, almost defeating the purpose of what el pastor is supposed to taste like. The meat also had too much sauce to the point that I wasn't able to enjoy the bits of pineapple the taco had. And lastly I got the corn. It is to DIE for.... (not really) but seriously do yourself a favor and try it. This wonder allows you to enjoy cheese, butter and soft corn in your mouth.
(4)Samnang M.
The taco's are okay, not sure what the rave is about. They have too many things on the menu. I'm always weary of places that have a ton of stuff on the menus. Tacos are good but nothing really great. I definitely think the best thing I ordered was the Mexican corn. Sad day when it's a taco joint. The only taco I would come back for is the intestine taco. I'm sure on a select few people will ever order that. The tortilla on the tacos are stale and the people serving the tacos are grumpy as shit. Sorry for not knowing the chips and guac was served behind the cash register or asking for my Mexican corn. I rather go to a hole in the wall in Manassas where people don't understand my Spanish but are respectful and have authentic tacos.
(2)Jeanette H.
I love their tacos and prices, pretty fast service, & very authentic flavors.
(3)Cecilia S.
I think I've just been reminded of a little piece of San Diego in NoVa. I think this is the best taqueria I've been to in the area. I've been on the hunt for some authentic Mexican food, and I haven't really had much luck.. until now! Looks like I have a brand new menu to explore. Taco Bamba is located in a small plaza BEHIND the Whole Foods plaza. I had no idea this place existed until a fellow Yelper mentioned there's actually life beyond Whole Foods. It's a small restaurant, but there's flavor and pizzazz. I couldn't decide what I wanted so I just ordered a carnitas, carne asada (because I've got San Diego in my blood), and a tinga taco. My favorite was the carnitas. It was so flavorful and the meat was so succulent. The carne asada could use more seasoning, but it was still some of the best tacos I've had in a looooonngg time. I'm definitely a fan and I will most definitely come back for more.
(4)Charlie S.
I like the carne asada, chicken, and carnitas tacos. Taco bamba is better than most places that serve tacos around Nova. I don't like how small the store is. Not enough room during the work week to stand, and not enough tables. I think District Taco in Vienna is better. They have a better salsa bar, and more space.
(4)Pegah Y.
Very good tacos!!! Best ever? No. Best in the DC area? Probably still no, as I love La Mexicana in Alexandria more. But the tacos at Taco Bamba sure were tasty and they offer some very unique combinations. My fiancé and I visited a few Saturdays ago and we were HUNGRY. We decided to get 6 tacos each, which is quite a lot. Their regular tacos are $3 and their specialty tacos (Tacos Nuestros) are $4+. Not a bad deal! Between the two of us, we ordered: -Taco Bamba (skirt steak, chorizo, Grilled guacamole, chicharrones) - mmm, very tasty! My fiancé wasn't the biggest fan of the skirt steak, but I liked it. -Black Pearl (fried tilapia, spicy coleslaw, black aioli) - both of us really loved this one! -El Gringo (ground beef, bacon, flour tortilla, American cheese, lettuce, ranch dressing) - Super unique! And I can see where it gets its name with those ingredients, haha -Arabe (Grilled chicken, Ancho mayo, cucumber pico, cucumber yogurt) - This one definitely had a Mediterranean feel to it. Also good, but I'm not sure I'd order it again. Very strange in a taco. -La Poutina (fries, barbacoa jus, spicy mayo, cotija cheese, escabeche onions, bacon) - this was also tasty, but I wasn't a huge fan of the cheese. Note - there is parking in their little parking lot, but I can imagine that it can get tight. There is barely any room to sit in the taco shop (besides limited counter space), so I'd recommend getting your tacos to go. Bottom line - delicious and very unique tacos! We got 6 each and I ate 4 of them in one sitting and saved the two others for breakfast the next morning. Still delicious!
(5)Alice H.
Tasty and filling - I would say 2 tacos are plenty. I got the El Pastor, Tripe, and a corn on the cob. Definitely get the corn, it's delicious - slathered in mayo, chili, cotija (cheese) - can't go wrong. Tacos are packed with meat. El Pastor was pretty standard, but they were generous with their pineapple, which made the taco sweeter than usual (which I actually enjoyed). I wasn't expecting the tripe to be so crunchy - the fry the intestines until they're crispy, which is not really my thing. Otherwise, a pretty solid experience. My friends were telling me how amazing the tortas are, so I'll probably try those next time.
(4)Prairie S.
It's not street-style, small tacos from Mexico, but it's own little gold medal winner. I retried after initial experience where tacos were too overstuffed with meat and tasted like American sandwiches. I steered clear of the meats, and tried the spicy mushroom and spicy shrimp tacos. Together, a $9 lunch (no drinks). The fixings they put into the tacos are top notch and excellent flavor. Things like spiced onions, cilantro rice, marinated radishes and etc. Quality cooking and exquisite prep to get just the right amount into each taco....this deserves praise. There's a lot of food in just two tacos. More than enough for lunch. Filled me up through dinner. I tried their spiciest salsa (from among a range set out at the counter where you pick up the taco orders) and it was indeed spicy. Kudos! A fantastic overall presentation. Their tortillas are not small in size like the Mexican street stalls, but their fillings are overflowing with goodness, so I'm going to rate this on its unique merit and stop comparing it to authentic Mexican style tacos. This is an original one-of-a-kind taco shop. The Mexican flavors are quite remarkable and smoky and satisfying. For my taste, I would stay away from the meats, they seem rather off in balance -- weighted towards the meat-- which admittedly, others might not find in poor taste.
(4)Garrett S.
Alright. So I came here twice in three days. That says something. It's a 15-20 min drive from my house, which means I drive past probably 20 other places that have tacos to come here. I had the Taco Bamba, which was very good, a barbacoa taco that was very tasty and a sope with tinga on my first visit. That sope was one of the best mexican food items I can remember having... and I've been to San Antonio where amazing Tex-Mex is EVERYWHERE. A few days later I came back for breakfast and had the tostada de tinga (huevos rancheros). Again. ON POINT. The tinga here is NO GAME. I hope to broaden my horizons and try the cabeza (cheek meat) at some point. Either way, this place is solid, so go check it out! There are always people in there but there never seems to be much of a line. These guys are doing it right! Someday I'm going to go insane and order a torta, hopefully I'll have someone to share it with because it looks like it could feed an entire family.
(5)Carolina R.
Best tacos in the DMV! Love love LOVE me some taco bamba. I usually get three tacos: al pastor, taco bamba (steak, chorizo, chicharrones and guacamole) and el beso (crispy pork, beef tongue, charred scallions and chili aoili). For drink, I go with the horchata (the real deal!) or a mexican coke. If I'm really hungry I get the corn on the cobb as well. Other good stuff to order: carne asada tacos, pozole soup, birria tacos, TNT and black pearl). Cannot recommend this place enough. TIP: sauces to go behind the cash register, grab a few!
(5)Darshi L.
These tacos are taken to a whole other level of the food chain. The flavors are so interesting and unique - all in such a good way! I've been here 3 times now and it's the only place I'll go for tacos. The price is fairly average, but 2 or 3 tacos are enough to fill me up, so you don't end up paying much. The only let down is that the place doesn't have much seating, so it's more of a quick eat experience. But - it's worth it!
(4)Pin C.
Been here before but didn't get to review because it was when they first opened so decided to come back again the other night for dinner. I got the grilled steak and beef tongue tacos and also a corn on the cob on the side. The tacos are pretty pricey and isn't that flavorful. They were pretty busy and I waited pretty long for my food. The best part about this restaurant is their corn on the cob(it's very good). Will probably come back but just for their corn!
(3)Chris M.
Noisy little spot with good tacos. Tried the tongue (chewy) and the steak (yummy)). Service was pretty quick given the size of the weekend lunch crowd. 4 stars- give it a try
(4)Victoria A.
This place reminds me of the many taco joints you find on every street in California. Never thought there'd be one in Northern Virginia! My friend and I ordered the Taco Bamba, the spicy goat, and the carne asada tacos. Each priced from $3-4. I particularly recommend the Taco Bamba- very tasty. A big plus: the nice selection of self-serve salsa. Overall, the tacos were more than good (for east coast standards), but I've tasted better on the west coast. Still would come back here to satisfy my taco cravings!
(4)Gina L.
WOOHOO! I came here on a Tuesday during the lunch rush, and it was crawling with businessmen grabbing a quick bite. As per the tacos, they did not disappoint either. I ordered the El Beso, El Gringo, Taco Babma, and Black Pearl, all of which were $4 each, deliciously divine and more notably, double bagged with two corn tortillas to prevent any spillage. My favorite was the El Beso, as the crispy pork complimented the beef tongue very nicely, and my soft spot for creamy sauces strengthened even more so with the flavorful chili aioli that topped the taco; the El Gringo was in its own brown paper boat, and was easily the largest of the four tacos ordered, and was pretty good for a ground beef taco; the Bamba was definitely the most beautiful taco I've seen, filled with skirt steak, and topped with a vibrantly pink pickled vegetable (beet I think), which provided a bite and crunch; the Black Pearl had a decent-sized piece of crispy tilapia (so eat this first before it gets soggy) atop coleslaw and a delicious black aioli that I initially mistook as tar (oops). Stop by Taco Bamba to grab some top notch tacos, and definitely stop by on the weekdays during lunch at a chance to mingle with Fall's Church most eligible bachelors!
(5)Jacinta L.
Really liked this place for its Mexican corn and how many ways you can customize it! The corn is grilled just right and the condiments are plentiful. The reason why this lacked the stars it could've deserved was because of its ambiance. It's a tight place, so prepare to possibly bump elbows at the bar seating area. When I went, the music was blasted so loud I could hardly hear my friend next to me, let alone hear myself when I ordered. I'll probably get take out or something next time, but I hope they really do reconsider their interior design and lower the volume on their music. Not a whole lot of seats so I definitely would like my personal space too.
(3)Ani J.
4 stars for the food. 2 stars for the service. I live and work in Tysons, and heard a lot about this place. Its a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place, so its easy to just pick up than to sit there and eat. I have ordered from them on 3 occasions, and 2 out of the 3 times, they have messed up my order. They charged me for 5 tacos, and only gave me 4. Partly my fault for not checking the order before heading home, but I would hope that the servers would care enough to ensure the order is correct, since most people order and pick up anyways. I am not going to go back to get my money back. Just get the order right. For vegetarians, there are a couple of options. I have tried two things: - Spicy 'Shroom: This is amazing and oh so SPICY. I always get it and regret it later. When they say spicy, trust them as it is spicy. If you have the taste buds for spicy food, go for it. Yes - its really good. - Tamal Vegetariano: This was ok, nothing great. Too dry and not flavorful at all. Overall, from a vegetarian point of view, this place is ok. I wish there were more vegetarian taco options other than the spicy 'shroom, so people like me who cannot digest spicy food, have an alternate option.
(3)John B.
Updating because I've searched all around the metro DC area. These are the best tacos around. Possibly anywhere. The Spicy Mushroom is the best vegetarian thing I've EVER had. You have to deal with some heat though. I've had 80% of the variety and they are all stellar. Favorite.
(5)Eriano Y.
Not going to go into a bunch of details and act like I'm judging things on the food channel... So all I'm gonna say is this: Taco Bamba has the best tacos I've ever had and it's not even close. The sopes... My God.
(5)Elizabeth S.
This is my "I'm hungry but too hungry to really find a good place to eat but still want to eat amazing food place". This tiny gem is tuck behind a shopping mall on Leesburg Pike. If you are looking for it, turn where Subway is and its all the way to the back of the mini strip mall. Come here early, or late since it gets packed and you will most likely not get a place to sit. My usual: Taco Bamba: I have no idea why this is amazing and explosion in your mouth but man it's good. If this is your first time, defiantly try the Taco Bamba Grilled Corn: you are probably saying, "why grill corn? Its just grill corn". No its not, its grill corn with butter and this cheese that melts in your mouth. Crunchy and buttery. Who knew something so easy would taste so good. Tamale: Pork or Vegetable. You can get the pork spicy or mild, Spicy is spicy on a 4/10 scale and mild is like a 1 or 2 on a 10 scale. The Vegetable one has a kick to it about 3/10 scale. But all very very good, filled with vegetable like mushroom, beans, and other goodies. We've tried the soup, it was good on a cold rainy night but wasn't that memorable. The shrimp taco is pretty good too, sometimes it's not on the menu though. A GOOD taco place to check out if you have some taco craving that isn't taco bell. You will never want to go back to Taco bell after this.
(5)Nancy T.
I've had almost everything on the menu. One of the best things I've ever eaten, anywhere, is the Spicy 'Shroom taco. I put some of their green sauce on that and I am in heaven. It's my favorite of all the tacos. I also love their enchiladas, chilaquiles (not just for breakfast!) and arroz con leche (rice pudding with a dulce de leche topping). The tamales are just ok, but they have too much masa, too little filling, and are a little too wet for my preference. The tamal vegetariano has nice flavor, though. Also, try the elotes. P.S. I wish the rice pudding and horchata were available more consistently. They seem to be sold out often. Also, PLEASE more vegetarian options!
(5)Parker L.
My wife and I got 4 tacos. Carne asada, al pastor, taco bamba, and the el gringo. The carne asada was very delicious and definitely recommended. The al pastor was overly spiced and has no warning on the menu of it being spicy at all... Surprise! The taco bamba is just a bigger carne asada taco with slightly more toppings, but was very tasty as well. And last and least we had the el gringo which was very very dripping wet. Tasted good until it got too watered down. Wouldn't suggest this taco either unless you don't mind it being watery. Average place, but there's definitely better tacos in the world for much cheaper
(3)Erin C.
I heard about Bamba from a best tacos in the country list which listed Austin favorites, Torchy's and Taco Deli, as numbers 1 and 2. I happened to agree with that, so when I saw a taco place in Falls Church on that same list, I about exploded with joy! Overall the food was fine! Met my craving for Mexican food, and I'll certainly be back. Why the 3 stsrs, then? Well, I'm pretty biased. As a San Antonio native just having moved to NoVa from Austin, TX, I've got some high taco standards. These were good, though unremarkable. Hubs and I got 4 tacos between us: Taco Bamba - the signature. Beef and chorizo. Pleasant flavor and filling, but wasn't as interesting or tasty as you'd expect a flagship item to be. Camaron - spicy shrimp with a good amount of meat. For being a taco with diabla sauce, it was pretty mild to these texas tastebuds, probably a 4.5 of 10 on the heat index. Good taco though. Will repeat, but adjust spice expectations. Spicy shroom - delicious! Amazing and complex flavor. Spiciness at about a 5.5. Enough to notice and make your nose rin a bit, but now burn your tongue. Super tasty! The only downfall was that it left pools of grease on the tray. Barbacoa - ahh gotta love the facemeat! This was excellent - exactly what you'd expect from a barbacoa taco: great flavor, a generous portion of meat, and minimal fluff (just some onions and cilantro) The salsas available were pretty good - Green was mild but very fresh tasting. Orange had a great heat to it Brown was blah - probably supposed to be chipotle or adobo, but it was bland. We also got the street corn. Toppings were great - very authentic, but the corn was undercooked, and had none of the roasty toasty carmelized goodness that street corn is known for. Chips and guac are passable. The guacamole called itself grilled, but we couldn't figure out why. Pretty good, but unremarkable. The chips were excellent, though. Prefectly seasoned, cruchy and thick. My biggest problem here was the service. Cashier was rude - unwilling to answer questions and rushing us, though no one was behind us to place an order. The A/C was also dripping condesation onto our table which was less than pleasant. Execution of the tacos was ok - I'd be curious to see if it were to differ with other staff. The search for the best tacos in the Metro area continues!
(3)Eula B.
I've been here plenty of times in the past and it's one of my favourite taco places in the area. It's cheap and tasty. Definitely can satisfy anyone's palette. They don't cheap out on the meat too. The taco shell holds the everything really well. You can order tacos individually which is an added bonus for me because if you're hungry, you can always just order for more and it's made fresh!
(5)Phillip B.
One of my favorite places in the Falls Church / Tysons area. I love the arabe taco, but you can't really go wrong. Always my go-to when I don't have time to make something or just want to grab something good on the go.
(5)Diana F.
This is my first yelp review so bare with me. Went into taco bamba tonight with I guess maybe too high expectations? I work at a taco bar in Reston so I'm a big taco critic. The only reason I wanted to go was because one of my customers had told me that he preferred taco bambas tacos over the restaurant I work at. So obviously I had to find out if it was better, which I was actually expecting it to be because their menu is very interesting, lots of variety. Anyway it's a small little place on the corner, and there were definitely people in there so I'm sure they get busy at times. The cashier didn't seem very knowledgable about the tacos, I was trying to ask her what's most popular and she seemed to not know a lot, but I guess since she's not a server she's probably not really required to know all the ingredients etc. So I started with the guacamole, which wasn't the worst guacamole ever but it just didn't taste fresh nor did it have enough spice to it. I got the corn (off the cob) that was actually pretty good, tastes very similar to the grilled corn at the restaurant I work at. So my boyfriend got 3 tacos and I got 3, they are surprisingly big and filling so they are cheap ($4) for the size. I will list the tacos from best to worst but just so you know the best were decently good. Cameron taco- shrimp seasoned pretty well and I am not that big a fan of shrimp but surprisingly delicious, I do love spiciness and it was decently spicy. El beso- not good on its own. It became delicious after adding a bunch of sauce. Very dry, after the sauces though it was so good. El gringo- I expected just a basic taco that's why I got it but there wasn't enough beef on it and also the beef had a salty flavor, it also seemed to be missing something. The American cheese was inside the tortilla so hard to taste. Arabe- was chicken and it wasn't as good as it could've been, I felt like it was lacking something not sure what. Taco bamba- this is apparently the most popular taco and I didn't really understand why. The seasoning was good I felt like the meat was too tough. Not horrible but wouldn't order again. la poutina-The la poutina (my bf ordered) was fries in a tortilla which he liked I guess it's just not my cup of tea. If you like that than that's understandable. The chile de Arbol sauce was the best thing I had there, I love hot stuff and that was delicious, I was drenching my food in it and I ended up with an incredibly hot mouth. The taqueria sauce had a good taste for a medium sauce. The morita sauce had like a chipotle taste I didn't like and the verde sauce was kinda ok, I've had better. This place has four stars so maybe my expectations were too high, I wouldn't go back but I also live about 30 minutes from there. But overall the experience wasn't bad, I was just expecting a lot more.
(2)Ariel E.
I moved to DC from San Diego, so I have high expectations when I hear the word "taco." I was meeting a friend for lunch, and she recommended this joint. I was hesitant, as I didn't want her to see my diva taco standards so early in our friendship. It didn't end up being an issue since Taco Bamba can hold their own. I was ecstatic to see lengua on the menu, and it lived up to the hype. It was perfectly cooked! I also got the al pastor, which was well-seasoned, but I doubt I'd get it again. There was something missing... My friend got the corn on the cob, and it reminded me of the elotes/ choclo that I used to purchase on the street. I'll be returning!!
(4)Shad M.
The spicy shroom taco is no joke!! Unfortunately I couldn't finish it because it was just too spicy for me. The shrimp taco was pretty good and not as spicy. The corn tortilla tacos are small so you definitely need more than one, I was full with two tacos and chips and guacamole. My friend got a chicken taco on something that seemed like a thick flour tortilla, and it came apart in minutes. He claimed that the chicken taco was the best one - so if you're cool with messy eating, that might be the way to go. For vegetarians - the spicy shroom taco was the only one available. So not the best taco place for veggies. For pescatarians - your choices are between shrimp and the spicy shroom. Although not the best place for myself, I will definitely be bringing my meat eating spicy food loving boyfriend here (I predict he'll love it).
(3)Lisa H.
2.5 stars in actuality. This place has a good concept, but there are a few major things I didn't enjoy. 1. The seating is very limited; there's stools lined up against the wall, but they do not have any actual tables in the place. More like ledges, which I understand for a quick lunch break feel but not great if you're dining-in. 2. The food actually gave my bf and I the most awful stomach pains after dinner. 3. The prices are on the high-end for tacos, because it's in a prime area (Falls Church/Tyson's Area). I'm used to more authentic and simple tacos (with big taste) from a mom and pop shop, or a taco truck. I think this place has too much pizzaz on the menu, and not enough value for the money you pay for the tacos. I left with a bad feeling in my stomach, and disappointed
(2)Graeme C.
I came here specifically for the Tinga Tostada which was recommended elsewhere online, and was not disappointed. Perfect breakfast portion, great balance of flavours and textures - I always feel slightly strange eating chicken and egg together but my weirdness is not their fault. :) Restaurant is set up for casual dining, with a communal-style outside seating area. Nice buzz about the place and busy early which is always a good sign. Maybe the music was a little loud - to the point that it's not necessarily easy to hear your order number being called when it is ready. Will certainly be back to try their tacos.
(5)Cari B.
Best tacos I've had on the east coast. It's proven difficult to find a place with authentic ingredients and done well since living out west. Lunchtime was very busy but that just means it will be worth the wait and it was. I had the Taco Bamba and Black Pearl (my favorite). Hubby loved his carnitas taco best. Next time corn and tamales!
(4)A P.
This is a great place to get really tasty tacos. They have a more "typical" menu on one side, and then an innovative menu on the other. The service is always decent. Nice cashier and the orders come out relatively fast. They have a nice salsa bar at the counter where you pick up your order. All of them taste great, but the specialty tacos usually don't even need anything else. These tacos are a little more pricey than your I usual taco, but they are a lot bigger! The tamale and elote are also really good! The only thing I didn't really like was the horchata.. It's too powdery-- if that makes sense. But the food is great :) I would definitely suggest this place!
(5)Kevin C.
How do I begin. Let's start with disappointment. Disappointment that this place only has 4 stars instead of 5. You people must got some messed up taste buds if you think these hard working taco makers are making FOUR star tacos. If I could 6, 7 star this place I most surely would. I started out with three tacos. The taco bamba, a classic that blasts your mouth with the flavor of skirt steak, chorizo, guacamole, and chicharrones. Okay I'm gonna be real with you, I copied that from the menu because I have no idea what chicharrones are. But trust the expert taco makers and their fine ass taste pallets with creating pieces of taco art. Every taco was a Mona Lisa. The song "Let's talk about sex baby" is actually misinterpreted because he meant to sing "let's taco bout sex baby". These tacos are orgasmic. Most importantly was the Black Pearl. It would be a mistake not to try this one. Fish tacos are my thing but this blew me out of the waters. They say there are plenty of fish in the sea but there is only one fish taco worth marrying and it's the Black Pearl. The tilapia is fried to perfection on the outside yet moist and flavorful on the inside. And then they throw in black aioli?! You've got to be kidding me. Whoevers refined taste pallet decided this was a good idea was indeed correct. If any of these taco makers were to go on Hell's Kitchen, Hells Kitchen would trash their menu and only serve tacos. These are Michelin star tacos my friend. My only regret was not getting everything on the menu but I am sure I will be reunited with this place soon. 12/10, would eat again. And again. And again.
(5)Heather B.
This place is awesome. Fairly priced delicious tacos. Regular tacos go for $3 and thier specialty tacos for $4. I try to get something different to try each time I come. My goal is to try everything they have. So far they have yet to dissappoint. My favorite so far are the AL pastor, oh my let me just say, I've tried this at MANY places and they make it the BEST here!! There's actual pineapples in there. The taco bamba if you want something with a little kick to it. I'm normally not big on fish but the black pearl is so good!! I'm actually craving for another one of those as I write this, it was that good. Oh and the Mexican corn. I love love love it. 2 tacos and corn come up to about $11 and your stomach will be satisfied and ur wallet doesn't take a beating. If you haven't tried this place you really should.
(4)Clifford D.
Taco Bamba has really good food at a really good price. However, I only recommend taking out. There is virtually no space to eat inside the restaurant. There are a few bar stools lining the wall, but they are uncomfortable and crowded. There are seats outside, but no tables--that's annoying. If you want to grab some food to go though, I would definitely recommend them.
(4)Dani P.
Delicious. Located behind an incredibly yuppie shopping center in an older more shady looking shopping center. $3 traditional tacos, which come in all sorts of unique flavors. I ordered chorizo, carnitas, and tripa. The chorizo is SPICY, but oh so worth it because of the flavor that follows each spicy bite. I wasn't sure what to expect from the tripa, but it ended up tasting like a bacon taco (this is not a bad thing). I can't wait to return and try some of their other taco options.
(4)J C.
This place makes solid gourmet tacos. The specialty tacos are a far cry from the simple traditional tacos of Mexico street carts, but they're still pretty great. I only have a couple minor complaints but would gladly come here again, given it's price and the quality of the food. The tortillas felt slightly rubbery. They were almost too thick, or perhaps weren't heated up and steamed enough to mesh well with the taco filling. As a result, the texture of the tortilla kind of dominated my mouth the entire time. Taco al Pastor - The simplest taco of the three, with just pork, pineapple, cilantro, and onion. The pineapple combined well with the meat by keeping my taste buds fresh after every bite. Unfortunately the pork was dry. I've had tacos al pastor from other taquerias that were much juicier, which meant each bite was so much more flavorful. Because of the lack of juice here, each bite only found a bit of those distinctive spices that I love in al pastor meat. Taco Bamba - Their namesake taco consisting mostly of skirt steak, with some chorizo and chicharrones for texture. There is theoretically some guacamole in there, but the avocado taste seemed lost among all the chorizo. The chicharrones were also pretty tasteless, but at least they contributed a surprising crunch among all the somewhat mushy filling. It felt like most of the flavors in this taco came from the chorizo, with a hint from the steak. Taco Camaron a la Diabla - Or if you want to be all English about it, spicy shrimp tacos. The shrimp was perfectly cooked. The body had snap then fell apart as my teeth went through the meat. The meat was not chalky or mushy (i.e., overcooked). It was spiced such that the taste of the shrimp was accentuated and not overpowered. The menu claims this taco had rice, which I didn't detect, but I didn't care at the time. I just wanted more shrimp!
(3)Quyen N.
Love this place. It's a staple lunch place for me on a regular work day. Authentically Mexican and absolutely delicious, it's like I'm back in D.F. (Mexico City). I've tried every taco on the menu except 'The Gringo'. My favorites are hands down El Beso and the Spicy Shroom. Chicken (arabe), Shrimp, and fish tacos are also good. They are served on a two ply corn tortilla, except the chicken is on a pita style flatbread. I usually order 2-3 tacos for lunch. El Beso is fried pork and cow's tongue. If the latter turns you off, I promise that this taco will change your mind. DEFINITELY worth a try. The Spicy Shroom is amazingly flavoured... Portobello infused with chipotle. Rich unmami with an excellent kick. SOOO good. I hear that the breakfast, the Bamba Burger, and tamales are also excellent. Will have to give them a go on my next visits!
(5)Kelsey K.
Really good tacos and the flautas are amazing! The flautas are topped with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, and cheese but stay crunchy still. I also really like el gringo taco. I like spicy salsas so I use both the red hot and orange hot salsas
(4)Andrew D.
If Taco Bamba didn't pop up as a recommendation on Yelp , I would have never found it . It's located at a smaller strip mall hidden behind the Whole Food strip mall on Leesburg Pike. They have a huge selection of Tacos and we managed to try a few different tacos on my visit. I tried the Taco Bamba ( skirt steak ) ,Black Pearl ( fried Tilapia) ,El Beso ( beef tougue) and Chorizo ( sausage ). I enjoyed the tacos, however I felt it was a little dry. There's a variety of sauces on the table for you to fix that problem but I didn't feel that the sauces was all that and it didn't do the job of making my tacos a little more moist. Perhaps the white corn taco made it a little drier than the usual yellow corn taco. I have been told it's more authentic to use white corn taco when I inquire about it from one of the staff. There is a limited seating area in Taco Bamba. It will probably sit around 20 people in the entire place comfortably. There is no table. It's more like a sushi bar concept , where the tables are lined against the wall and you sit on a stool facing the wall while you eat your tacos. As other Yelpers has mentioned. It can get a little loud in here . They do blast their music but it didn't really bother me that much. I guess if you are here on a date it will make a difference but I was just there to grab a bite. The tacos were not expensive , they are about on average about 4 dollars each. The staff was nice , no complains about the service. I do have to say it would have been nice for the person that serve the tacos to let us know which taco was on the plate. When you pig out like myself it's hard to tell which taco you are eating unless it's stands out. I definitely will be coming back to try out different tacos.
(4)Parinaz G.
They should rename this place to call it Taco "Bomb"a, because with every bite of my tacos I died and went to heaven. They have such a vast selection of meats and toppings, that even after tasting 7 tacos, we were only able to cover one-third of the menu, and ALL of them were delicious! Priced between $3-$4 per tacos, it is such a good deal because their tacos are loaded with meat. The spicy goat and Al Pastor (spicy pork and pineapple) were my favorite. Also, when they say spicy, they mean it! The spicy portobello was delicious, but so spicy. DO NOT, and I mean DO NOT forget to order the corn on the cob! Just in case you missed that- DO NOT forget to order the corn on the cob. It is a Mexican style street corn with cotija cheese, crema, a sprinkling of chili powder, and who knows what other goodness. They told me it would be spicy, but I didn't think so. However, if your spice tolerance is very low, I am sure you could ask them to go easy on the chili powder. If you plan to go in a big group, do note that it is a small place. Taco Bamba has definitely raised my standard for tacos in the DC area! Can't wait to go back!
(5)A K.
THE CORN! If you've never had Mexican style corn, don't bother trying it any where other than Taco Bamba. So many delicious tacos and for the right price. My favorite is the the portobello. My hubs is not a vegetarian (I am... most of the time), and it's one if his favorites too! Try to go at off times, bc there's usually a line out the door--- well worth the wait if you get in the line.
(5)Rachael B.
I was excited about this place. The menu was creative but also had the classic tacos. But we didn't get off to a great start when we were charged $5 for chips and guacamole that we didn't order. Oh well, we went with it -- we'd asked for chips and salsa, so the guac wasn't unwelcome. The cashier gave us a plastic cup for the salsa bar, which had five salsas. At new places, I like to sample a little of it all. We asked the cashier for more little salsa cups and so she gave us one more. We asked for a couple. She literally said we could not have more cups to try the salsas. That was weird...why have a salsa bar then not allow customers to take what they wanted? The other big problem was that we asked about the ingredients in tortillas. Someone in my party has celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which gluten (which is in flour tortillas) triggers intense abdominal pain, among other unpleasant things. The cashier said all the tortillas were corn, so we were safe. But when the food came, some of it was served on flour tortillas. We had to throw those tacos away uneaten. Disappointing, especially considering the cost of $4 a taco. The meat in the tacos was meh. The fried fish was great, but the heavy-handed black aioli (still not sure what it is exactly) made the crispy fish soggy (and super salty). The barbacoa was just ok, as was the chicken in the arabe taco.
(2)Gretchen P.
Muy delicioso! I can't believe it's taken me this long to try out Taco Bamba -- I am suuuuuch a fan now. The prices are on point, the food is delicious, and the t-shirts hanging from the wall and calling out Chipotle ("F*ck burritos!") are hilarious. I tried the Taco Bamba and the Black Pearl specialty tacos, and both were incredible, as was the grilled corn which I HIGHLY recommend. My boyfriend got the carnitas and carne asada "regular" tacos as well, and they were also awesome. And super cheap. Most of their tacos come on white corn tortillas, which I normally don't even like (I am a big gringo, what can I say?) but I actually LOVED them in this instance, so that should say a lot! For fast casual, this place isn't actually THAT fast, so if you're in a rush that may be something to keep in mind if there are a lot of folks in front of you. It's also super tiny, so dine in is pretty limited. But still, I keep thinking about these awesome tacos -- knocks District Taco out of the park, in my opinion. Can't wait to go back and sample more of the menu! Maybe one day I'll con some folks into trying one of the mega-ridonkulous torta sandwiches. Mmmmm.
(5)Torrel H.
Love this place, have no idea what to order each time I walk in the door, but always leave satisfied. Corn is amazing, but the worst value on the menu. I always end up spending way more than I intended
(5)Lateef X.
Delicious gourmet tacos with a great selection of chef's recommendations that pair just the right mix of ingredients to create tasty tacos like the Spicy Shroom (portobello mushroom with delicious toppings) and the Black Pearl (fried tilapia with a delicious slaw). Chicken flautas were perfectly crispy with the requisite charred ends. The Arabe was a good simple taco as well -- though not really a taco, it's grilled chicken served on a Mediterranean flat bread/pita. And, the chicken tinga taco was just ok. The food is great - the customer interaction is dry, and service becomes poor when you let them know they made a mistake on your order.
(4)Melinda C.
Loved this! It was a little hard to find (use that GPS and not your gut which tells you it's in the Whole Foods mall - it's in the mall BEHIND it!) My husband said hands down the carne asada sope was the best taco he has ever had in his life and couldn't believe it was only $6. Didn't love the black pearl but it seems I'm the only outlier on that one. Tried their 'la poutine' (a take off of the Candian poutine) and it was delicious, though a little heavy on the carb-on-carb action). Their stewed chicken was right on - I could have had 3 more of those. The take out experience is a little strange - you have to bag it yourself and then run to the register to get some sauces. Went on a hot day and there doesn't seem to be air conditioning. It's a proper taco bar - only bar seats (not baby/young kid friendly at all, but take them when they're older for sure!) All in all, nothing to stop us from going back if we're ever in that area again!
(5)Ziv B.
I had the black pearl and the spiced pork tacos and they were pretty decent. They didn't have the layered flavors that I like at TECC where they have the fresh cilantro and radish in nearly every bite. The choices of salsas were good, both prepared and store bought. None jumped out at me but the two I tried were both relatively mild though they were medium and hot on their labels. The interior was a cavernous mad house with people yelling their conversations to try to "out loud" the music. There was water spilled, I hope it was water, next to where I was going to sit, so they could spend a bit more time cleaning the seating area. There are items on the non-taco menu that will probably bring me back but I will get better tacos elsewhere.
(3)Frank W.
Small place ... tasty food! Yum, I will be back soon.
(4)Chris S.
Taco Bamba is the best hole in the wall style taco place I've found in the DC/NOVA area. Coming from Southern California, I've been on the hunt for a quality taco joint for a while now, and I'm glad I discovered this gem. Tucked away in a corner of a shopping center in Falls Church, Taco Bamba is easy to overlook, but shouldn't be. The classic and speciality tacos are phenomenal. The meats are hot, flavorful, and are the primary focus of each taco. The classic tacos are (generally) supplemented with cilantro and onions (no annoying lettuce or cheese to distract you), and there are a few salsa options to add to your liking. My favorite is the al pastor (spicy pork and pineapple). The speciality tacos are creative and filling, with plenty of options for everyone's tastebuds. My go-to is the Arabe, which is essentially a pita-wrap, with chicken and chipotle sauce. I haven't tried their non-taco menu yet because their tacos are just so damn good.
(5)Emanuel P.
How can it be so good. The only good taco spot in the area. Don't sleep on the Tripa (intestine) tacos, they're crispy and tasty. Also Mexican cokes are here and the Torta sandwiches could fill three grown men. Love it, top lunch spot for the Tysons area.
(5)Robin M.
First of all this place is amazing. The tacos are reasonably priced and very delicious. I dare someone to show me a better taco place.
(5)Sahar R.
When I came here for the chef Erik Bruner-Yang guest stint at Taco Bamba, also known as "Taco Underground", I knew to expect the following things: 1-Some unique beef tendon tacos and flautas 2-A kick butt playlist that would keep going while the chefs cooked up a storm They delivered on both fronts. A solid 90s R&B playlist, and a spicy Amara taco with chorizo laab and literally a slab of crispy beef tendon. My favorite taco out of the bunch we tried was off regular menu: the El Beso taco nuestro - meat from several different animals: shredded beef, beef tongue, pork with chili aioli and lightly charred scallion. The tongue was perfectly crispy and loved the favor of the charred scallion. My second favorite was the Amara taco. A nice heat to it, but wish the tendon was cut up into smaller chunks. I believe it was the chorizo laab that added the spicy kick to this taco. I would eat this straight on corn tortilla any day. The special Nak-Yang flautas, were delightfully crispy on the outside, despite being drowned in queso, and the tendon filling was shredded and flavorful however not as spicy as the Amara taco. As a sidenote, I loved the Corn Carbon ($3.50) (basically I love all corn covered in mayo) it's a nice departure from the traditional elote with the red chili, but just as savory and delicious. This is probably the most fattening vegetable I've had in my life. The pulp tacos were alright and not particularly flavorful . The spicy shroom taco was my least favorite. It was charred to an extreme, and I swear it tasted like a cigarette. Keep in mind for those of you visiting Taco Bamba, there are no tables but bar stools and counters that get filled up quick. The tacos are in the range of $4, pricier than most would expect. The taco underground special options are available until through Nov. 16, 2014.
(3)Nila C.
I rarely give restaurants 5-stars... But I wish I could give this one 6. I'm among a vast majority of 20-somethings who think Chipotle is pretty good. However, Chipotle is mediocre in comparison to this place! All ingredients are fresh, they offer an incredible variety of authentic tacos. Everything is flavorful! I'd recommend the Camarone and Arabe tacos. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you can-- avoid going during lunch hours. People have been seen literally eating outside on the sidewalk (yep... This place is that amazing). I live 45 mins away from this place but I'd happily drive there every weekend!
(5)Ed C.
This place rocks. Went on a weeknight around 7pm and there was no line. I got a chorizo torta and a taco bamba. Can't beat the bread. Soft and fluffy for both the taco as well as the torta. Chorizo had a slight kick to it. It was on the expensive side for a sandwich and a taco but good portion size and quality. I'd say it's worth the premium. Surprising find in a middle of nowhere strip mall. Worth stopping off if you're heading west on 66 and want to grab some good mexican food.
(4)Adrian L.
The tacos here are the best in the area. The el pastor tacos were my favorite. The only downside is that seating is limited due to space and the amount of customers.
(5)Ghita E.
So I don't think it really lives up to the hype on yelp. Yes it has great food and probably the only taco place in northern virginia - but it doesn't begin to compare to your hispanic friends moms tacos (so wordy!) Any ways, I would still go here and continue to go here because this is the best you can get in the area. Grilled Elote (corn): (AMAZING!!!!) seriously I could eat this every single day - I would drive up here to have it every day.. thats how good it is. Arabe: which is a piece of gyro bread topped with chicken and other veggies and garnish - it got soggy really fast and wasn't as tasty - wish they put this in some corn tortillas instead Camarones (shrimp) tacos: which isn't anything spectacular..the rice was a bit mushy and blad. I feel like you have to over season or put hot sauce on these tacos to make them taste better. Fautas: which were basically crispy rolled up tacos stuffed with shredded chicken and topped with refried beans, lettuce, and all of the other fixings. This I would highly recommend. But again, had to put some hot sauce on it to give it some extra flavor and kick. Seating sucks. they have wall seating and very limited - went there once around 7pm and it was kinda empty, but went again around 12pm and it was crowded!! So all about timing.
(4)Emily D.
Wow is this place tasty! Not fancy (a few places to perch inside and limited tables outside) but fast, unique and delicious. Highly recommend Poutina (aka the poutine flavored taco) as well as Camerone (shrimp). Tacos are $4. Two is a great lunch. Wish I was eating it right now.
(5)David H.
The tacos are good. Good flavor, good combinations. Classic two corn tortilla tacos. Green salsa - very good Medium - decent Hot - no thanks (and not very spicy) Spicy goat was juicy and delicious Taco bamba (skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guac, chicharrones) - just ok but not great. Couldn't taste the chorizo Black pearl (fried tilapia, spicy coleslaw, grilled avocado) - good, fried well, not enough slaw Corn on the cob - delicious of course Will be back to try more
(4)Justine S.
My cousin & I were craving tacos, so we decided to give this place a go! We ordered the Al Pastor (pork & pineapple), Pulpo (grilled octopus), Black Pearl (tilapia), Carne Asada (steak), & Taco Bamba (steak & chorizo) tacos. We also tried the Mexican corn. The Al Pastor was yummy & had a great kick to it-- Spicy yet flavorful. The Black Pearl was my favorite, just simple, delicious flavors that worked well together. The Pulpo was ok--mine was a tad bit burnt. Carne asada & Taco Bamba were also good/ok, nothing amazing. Lastly the Mexican corn was delicious! The toppings on it just made it extra tasty. I utilized the orange & green sauces from the squeeze tubes, they were perfect accents to the tacos, the right amount of tang and heat! I definitely would come back to try the other taco variations!
(4)Arsalan M.
Not much to add to the already steller reviews. The long lines speak for themselves. This place is a gem. As long to authentic gourmet street tacos as one can get this side of Mexico City.
(4)Heather N.
Excellent!! Completely a hole in the wall, with excellent Mexican food! The El pastor was my favorite, but I can't wait to try others.
(5)Lani T.
Very good gourmet tacos. Everything is full of flavor and each taco is tended to with the utmost attention. Took my boyfriend here and he loves it but he ordered one beef tongue taco and said it was too dry. He liked the Taco Bamba the best and my favorite is the Arabe. First time I've had elote and it was okay, salty for me but maybe I'm just not digging it. I was a little confused about the menu because I didn't realize I was paying $3-4 dollars for one taco so I did have to go back and order more. There's pretty limited seating so you should always plan to eat outside/in your car or have it to go if you come here.
(4)Bryan L.
Taco Bamba, Black Pearl, Camaron a la Diabla, and Corn on the Cob were excellent! The El Gringo taco was surprisingly awesome as well. The El Beso was a bit dry for my tastes. I look forward to coming back and working my way around the menu!
(5)Dmitry D.
Good looking menu, good looking pictures, huge portions, good prices. BUT lacking lots of flavor especially in everything. The tacos are flavorless and dry. All the tacos are the goat meat the carne asada the fish and the pork and the torta taco. The only plus to put visit was the torta bamba. It had allot of everything and it wad crazy to look at because that sandwich is big. BUT still lacked any real flavor I had to swarm everything i got in there sauces. Not coming back here.
(2)Bianka C.
Just had lunch there! The spicy shroom taco was great! The only thing I have to say is that the music was way to aggressive. I couldn't eat in peace it was way too loud. Maybe takeout next time.
(4)Jeff K.
This is the best hole in the wall taco spot. Get the shrimp taco.
(4)Johnny A.
Muy yummy tacos! I don't think you can really go wrong with any taco, but next time, I would like to try the tortas and see if they measure up to my favorite place in Alexandria. In any event, do not leave without ordering Mexican street corn covered in cheese. It is very delicious!
(4)Katie L.
I am so obsessed with this place. I come here often because they have seriously authentic tacos with a wide range of flavors and succulent meats and fresh seafood. My favorites are el beso and the pulpo (however I was informed this week that they stopped serving pulpo on their menu). The menu is simple but tantalizing and meticulously concocted. Everything is just fresh and tasty. I am a huge fan! You won't regret coming here. Reasonable pricing for a satisfying meal. Don't wait any further, just go eat here later.
(5)Kelly R.
I love you, Taco Bamba. Where else can I get some traditional street tacos (covered in ridiculously spicy salsa if I ask for it), along side a poutine taco (heaven) and the best street corn ever? I've tried many of the traditional and specialty tacos and have been impressed with every one. So much flavor! And the street corn--this stuff tastes fresh and amazing even in the winter. People say it costs too much--nah. If you want cheap, flavorless tacos, go somewhere else. I say these are worth every penny!
(5)Matthew G.
I have been to Taco Bamba on two more occasions since my first review and have had time eat my way through more of the menu. I am I agreement on the lack of seating space as expressed in previous reviews. My meals have always been for take-away, so no problem on this end. The music has also been too loud for my taste, so even if there were more eating space I would probably opt to eat the food elsewhere. This place is all about the food. It is excellent and pound for pound one of the best values I have found in NOVA or DC. I don't have the menu in front of me, but can list those dishes that I can recommend: *tacos al pastor *chorizo (well spiced, with good clove and paprika notes) *tilapia (fried with good crunch to the coating) *stewed chicken (wow! there was WAY more depth of flavor to this chicken than I was expecting) *Arabe (not a taco per se, but in the family--this had a wealth of flavors: mint, cucumber, spicy mayo..don't miss this one..big enough to share) *beef tongue (don't be a wimp. there is a metric ton of flavor in this taco) *shrimp (again, I can't recall the name of the dish, but this was subtle and juicy with cilantro and sweet shrimp) I tried the poutine taco, and while I applaud the effort (I love poutine), the flavor of this one was too bland and mushy to compete with the other stellar choices on the menu.
(4)Jennifer S.
Awesome place for great cheap food. It's decently priced for the flavor. Definitely worth the try to come out and eat
(5)Charlie S.
Food was pretty good, but was hard to enjoy over extremely loud music and almost zero seating. Definitely not at the top of the must-tries. 4 star food - 3 star service - 1 star atmosphere
(3)Karen M.
Loved it! Chilequilles were delicious as was there Camaron taco. SO yummy! So glad they are so close!
(5)Alice H.
Many of my friends raved about this place so I decided to try it out. I had the taco bamba and the corn on the cob (elote style). The flavors are really good. However I have only 4 stars because the meat portion was small compared to the amount of tortilla. Otherwise everything else was on point.
(4)C H.
Was a trick to find because I hadn't looked at a map first! Tucked away in a smaller shopping center behind the one on Leesburg Pike, I was worried there wouldn't be a parking space because Taco Bamba was so crowded for dinner. That seemed promising, in terms of food quality. Found a spot. Next I was concerned that the crowd might cause a wait, but I was so wrong. The ordering line moved very quickly, and I also had my tacos in a jiffy. For a first visit, I got three house specialties: El Beso with fried pork & beef tongue, the Taco Bamba with skirt steak and chicharrones, and the Spicy Shroom with chipotle portobellos and pepitos. All three came on doubled corn tortillas, and they were amazing. El Beso has the rich mineral flavor of beef tongue, delicious charred scallions, and great texture. Because it's fried, I wouldn't personally get more than one. Taco Bamba was my personal favorite. The grilled guacamole was new to me, the flavors of the steak and chorizo were heavenly, but my favorite part was the little bit of crunch from the chicharrones (or, as my people call 'em, pork rinds). Not to be missed. The Spicy Shroom was delicious, though mine was a bit salty, and I loved the pepitos. The only downside to this taco was that I'd eaten the Bamba first and was missing those chicharrones. Simple, fast, friendly, delicious, and frankly cheap for a meal of this quality. Three specialty tacos were more than enough food-- I could've done with just two. Most of the seating is bar stools around the walls, with a few more chairs outside in the covered walk. This is a small restaurant selling street food, not the place for a long seated meal with a group. This evening's musical selection was 1980s Metallica & Iron Maiden, but not so loud as to drown conversation. Verdict: Do not go. I don't want to share!
(5)Michelle M.
Best tacos I've had on the East Coast! This place is nestled BEHIND the shopping center on the main road. It has a small interior and great for grab n go or a quick lunch there (if you steal a seated spot at their wall and window lined high tables). Food is spectacular! The meats are made with authentic ingredients and sauces (you can tell) are slow cooked (as they should be!). Their taco combinations are off the wall, but still keep that authentic taste. Chicharrones, carnitas, and fried guacamole are only some of the combos. The service was great too, as my friend wanted a salad (not on the menu) but they made her one on the spot. Worth the visit. Note that it's behind the whole foods shopping center!
(5)K A.
One of the best tacos you will get in Northern VA area..
(5)Anisha H.
Taco Bamba is tucked away in a corner of a strip mall, pretty hard to stumble across unless some one told you about it. The food is very flavorful but I had to give it 3 stars cause of the price. The tacos are tiny but cost a fortune. You can easily chow down 3-4 tacos if you are slightly hungry and it will cost you around $20. This does not include drinks. I would definitely go back, but just to grab a quick snack, not some place to go for an actual meal unless you really want to drop some $$, but on Taco's..not quite sure I would want to. It does not have great seating either, so its more like a To-Go place, but they do have bar tools and counter tops where you chow down some of their good tacos;
(3)Maricruz L.
What a taco experience should be. Impressed. Loved the spicy shroom taco. Best of all they had Horchata..my favorite.
(5)Tina T.
OMG~!! So I've had taco bamba before, but only their tacos. I wasn't a big fan of them, because I'm not a big fan of the traditional tortilla that they use (which I believe is corn). Back then I think I would've given Taco Bamba a 3 star rating. However, that has changed ever since I've tried their Chorqueso torta!! WOW JUST WOW! That chorizo, with gucamole, and whatever else that is in it was SUPER DELICIOUS. Omgosh... I loved my sandwich so much that I couldn't even save the rest for later (usually I try to save half and eat the other half). So if you want something different from the tacos here, try their sandwiches! Their soo good you won't regret it at all! Can't wait to try their other menu items as well.
(4)LanChi N.
I finally made my way to taco bamba. Cool points because it is open late...10:00PM. Which is pretty awesome... cause I'm always looking for a place for late night eats. Location is inside an area of mini shops...which could easily be missed if your not paying attention. But at least there is a huge parking area. Dining area not so much...you have dining bars but no real tables...its definitely a place for quick eats/street food dining.Then agian HELLO...your eating tacos...do you really need that much elbow room? Food...now if you read my reviews before you know I don't just order the norm...I usually go towards the specials...or specialty items.. Which in this case cost me about $4 for each taco vs. getting the Traditional Tacos for $3. They do have a special of 3 traditional tacos and a soda for $10. The tacos I ordered are....Taco Bamba ,Black Pearl, and Pulpo Review: Taco Bamba... skirt steak was a bit on the tough side...chorizo added a nice kick.Cons:a bit heavy on the guacamole...it tended to overpower the other flavors a bit. but still good. The chicharrones were more of a sprinkle...it did add a nice crunch but it would've be nice to have actual pieces. Black Pearl... the fried tilapia had a nice light batter you could actually taste the fish. The slaw added a nice textural contrast. The black aioli threw me off a bit partially because it was at the very bottom of the taco..at first I thought my tortilla was burnt..but figured out it was the aioli. The Pulpo was the surprise taco for me. I was expecting a chewier grilled octopus. Instead it was tender and had a nice chew to it very tender.The bacon added a bit of a smoky crispy texture. My mother because it was vegetarian day for her...she ordered the Spicy 'Shroom- Chipotle Portabella, Grilled Corn, Cotija, Pepitas and the Corn on the Cob. Review: She thought it was really good had a nice spice to it and said that there was a decent amount of mushrooms. The Corn on the cob she said was a bit on too spicy for her but I thought it was nicely spiced. Points for having a a vegetarian option...I mean its not the largest selection but my mom said that the spicy shroom just became her new favorite taco. Overall..thumbs up for a upscaled taco spot with fresh and quality ingredients. It's just real flavors in corn tortillas which to me is awesome because iI think real tacos should all be double tortillas and they should be corn not floured. Its just about real flavors and I think taco bamba has that. Sure if your going for a full blown meal this probably is going to cost you a bit to get overly full. If your trying to be sustained or you need a quick bite. This is a great stop in, plus they offer carry out which why not. I most likely will be back to get an Al Pastor taco...or to try another item on there varied menu.
(4)Ching H.
Yes, this place is located in a random shopping center directly behind Whole Foods. Yes this shopping center raises many ?????'s but fear not, you will survive. Walk in soak in the fumes, you are about to eat some YUMMMMM-O tacos. (dang you Rachael Ray.) I'm obsessed with the spicy shroom taco, it's spicy goodness, packs so much flavor that I don't miss the meat at all. This is hands down my favorite taco, at $4 dollars a taco it's kind of steep, but I dig it so much, I just don't care, wave yo hands in the air. The $3.50 dollar corn on the cob- you let me down, it was not the New York goodness, kind of dry, kind of small, kind of sad, kind of blah. THE $4 CAMARON taco, their shrimp taco in a spicy diablo sauce, you plus me = happiness. The black pearl taco... your black aioli sauce scares me, black colored sauces make me think what made you the way you are? Black foods are not appetizing, and this left me a tad underwhelmed, trying to reach for my water to wash away the flavor. Anywho, get some sauces to go, take one last whiff of the place, as it lingers onto your clothes. Everyone needs a little upgraded taco bell every once in a while.
(4)Cadillac W.
definitely on the short list for best tacos in NoVA. It's gringo style meaning non traditional tacos, but the tortillas are legit.
(4)Karen G.
This place has some delicious authentic tacos! Some of the best of this area! My favorite is the Taco Bamba. Their Camaron a la Diablo & carne asada tacos are really good too. My husband really liked their flautas. You have to try their corn on the cob, delicious! The Watermelon agua fresca was very refreshing. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)A F.
Truly the best tacos I have ever had and another hidden gem! I ordered the spicy camarones taco , the chipoltle mushroom taco and the taco bamba and the grilled corn. They were all perfect in their own way and I would order the exact same thing again. The spicy shroom taco had a very "chipoltle" taste and very spicy. I loved it and can't wait to go back to this place.
(5)Evan B.
Some "meh" gringo tacos. Kinda blank staff that overcharged us and limited our salsa choices for some reason. The black aioli was salty flavorless, black bean aioli? Eh, it just made the taco soggy. Interesting looking menu, poor execution. Still wondering why I paid $3 for chips and salsa and only got one cup to choose among ~ 5 flavors (2 of which were empty). E: food allergy folks be careful of the fact that some of the special tacos are on flour tortillas without the menu saying so (or the staff).
(2)R. E.
I'll keep this short - best damn tacos I have ever had!! I went in around 11:30 on a Friday and while there were already a few folks waiting for their food, I placed my order and within 7 minutes I had my food. It was clear that the place was filling up fast so I didn't eat in the restaurant - although I feel lucky that I got one of the eight bar stools! - so I ate in my car. Not a big deal. I had three tacos and a Diet Coke, cost was about $14. I wouldn't eat here everyday because I would then need to take a part-time job just to pay for it but I would eat here whenever I'm in the area.
(5)Douglas C.
Excellent place for a quick bite or take out. Very affordable, I'll definitely be going back. Fish tacos are the tits!
(5)Hannah H.
I'd recently heard about Taco Bamba at a Yelp event, so I was pretty excited to check it out! It's owned by Chef Victor Albisu, who is also the owner of Del Campo in DC. The place is nestled in the corner of a plaza (next to Idyllwood Cafe) off of 7. The menu offers breakfast items (enchiladas, chilaquiles, sopes, huevos rancheros, etc.), traditional tacos (carnitas, carne asada, barbacoa, al pastor, lengua, etc.), sopes, 'Our Tacos' (which is more of a kicked-up versions of tacos, 'not tacos' (tamales, guac & chip, corn on the cob, etc.), and tortas. We tried the Carne Asada, Carnitas, and Al Pastor from the 'Tacos Tradicionales;' Taco Bamba (skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, and chicharrones) and the Camaron a la Diabla (spicy shrimp, poblano sauce) from the 'Tacos Nuestros,' and one Corn on the Cob (mayo, red chili, and cotija). The Carne Asada seemed to be the most unflavorful, as the meat was more on the dry end, and not juicy/savory as I thought it would be. The hot sauce made it slightly better, but not so much. The Carnitas was slightly better; with the first bite, it seemed as if it would be bland, but after chewing for a while, the flavors start to show. This also needed some hot sauce to spruce it up a bit. I did like the Al Pastor, as that was the juiciest - I liked how the pineapple was actually macerated within, and it had kind of like a chorizo-esque saucy flavor to it. The Taco Bamba was okay, too, and definitely spicy with the red peppers. I really liked the Camaron a la diabla, as the little shrimp was juicy and yummy, and the poblano sauce made it all saucy and nice. I wasn't a fan of the Corn on the Cob, as I thought the size of the corn was a little more on the smaller end, and I could hardly taste the mayo/cotija combo - I just thought that this would be ridiculously good from the pictures I saw, so I was slightly disappointed! My husband and I shared an horchata, as that was their 'beverage of the day' - this was way too sweet, and I think there was way too much sugar in it. The staff here are a little reserved, but friendly, and the tacos are pretty quickly prepared. Also, there are only counter seats available. I am glad I was able to check this place out, and I think it may be slightly better than District Taco in terms of taste/options. However, I am not sure if I'd go out of my way to go back! +Al Pastor taco +Camaron a la Diabla taco
(3)M B.
I love this place. It's one of my main recommendations. I tried something new today, carnitas. Wow! So flavorful! Went back and got another one it was so good. Add medium salsa and it's perfect.
(5)Mark R.
You think you've had tacos, but unless you've been here you just had a hamburger in a tortilla. This place owns in every way. The cooks are fascinating to watch. It smells like magic and you really can't make a bad choice. They even have sandwiches for philistines who fear the taco magic. Try it all. Once you do, you'll never consider McPotle a valid Mexican option again.
(5)Lauren S.
Seriously delicious tacos. The selection is diverse. The food is served piping hot with several choices of fresh salsas. Love, love, love this place! Come get it to go or be willing to pull up a stool. Seating is very limited.
(5)Wai T.
Where's my tongue? Oh I just swallowed it. It's EPIC. After seeing the fellow reviews on Yelp, I decided to drop by for an early lunch. First, if you look at the GPS, it is a little misleading as it will lead you to think it's the same complex as Whole Foods, Tara Thai, etc. But it is not. Keep going for another 100 ft into the side street and turn into the "Idlywood Plaza" sign, and you will find it in the inside corner. I had the black pearl and spicy 'shroom and man they are probably the test tacos I've ever had. The blend of the flavor and the freshness of the ingredient is what stands out. I have to admit I'm a little too whimpy to take on the spicy 'shroom, because it is authentically spicy. Out of the two tacos I had, I would say the black pearl is very yummy, but humanly understandable. On the other hand, the spicy 'shroom, is just crazy. After you take your first bite, you can taste (and smell) the wonderful combination of armoas exploding in your mouth like fireworks, and then a few seconds after, the kick comes through and does a one-punch KO on you. It'll take like 10-15 seconds for your senses to come back to yourself, but you will want to take another bite, now that you are prepared, it's simply amazing fireworks of flavor in your pallet. You know how there are bad "aftertaste" to certain food? You'd be glad to hear that the 'shroom will give you a sensational smokey mushroomy after-taste, leaving you to remember that wonderful moments you had with your taco.
(5)Joseph S.
FAST AND FLAVORFUL. It gets really busy really fast. I highly recommend the black pearl because the black sauce is so tasty.
(5)Linda P.
Ordered the corn cob, carne asada, taco bamba taco and al pastor. My fav was the taco bamba taco. Medium rare beef with delish pickled veg and cojito cheese. My absolute fav was the corn cob! Grilled butter corn with garlic mayo and cojito crusted cheese. Yummy!!
(4)Dana Z.
I can't believe it took me so long to finally make my way here, considering I only work down the street. I went on sort of "off hours" (2pm lunch?) and there was still quite a long line and no chairs. I knew it would kick ass considering I've experienced Victor Albisu's creations at various foodie events around DC. I had to get the namesake, Taco Bamba, which was so super yummy, and my favorite of the things I tried. I also got the carne asada (upscale basic) and the al pastor (slightly too oily for my tastes) Still I want to go back and try the entire menu, except for the intestine one... :P
(5)Leo B.
Best tacos in VA. If you are looking for recommendations go with the taco bamba, El beso, and camaron. 3 tacos should be enough for most. Maybe grab some chips and guac. Honourable mention to the arabe taco because it's weird and cool. For the negatives: Always get it to go. Eating at this place sucks, unless ur into that kind of thing (cramped, stools, small, usually super crowded) not good for groups at all. Also their horchata was disappointing but passable.
(5)Amanda S.
this place lives up to the hype! We went here on a Thursday night and there wasn't much of a line but throughout our meal there was a steady stream of people coming in and out. I had the spicy shroom taco and the chips and guacamole. The taco was SO good! It was just the right amount of spicy. The only small complaint I have is that there was only one vegetarian option for tacos.
(5)Amanda H.
We stopped here before a concert at Wolf Trap and it was pretty great! I got the lengua taco and it was AWESOME. The al pastor sope was okay. I'd get a taco next time because it's a little awkward to eat. The chicaronnes are premade which isn't terrible, I was just expecting fresh made to order. By far, the best thing I had was the corn on the cob. I would order ten of those for my meal next time.
(4)Yaka H.
Four stars for Taco Bamba, bringing some new flair to the tried-and-true taqueria offerings. There's a lot of fun items here on the menu, updating typical taqueria items. SX loves tortas, mostly because of their sheer size and the massive protein ratio in the sandwich. Taco Bamba's brings just that. Personally, I thought it was too heavy, with the hotdog and ham being too salty in the mix. The pineapple helps cut through it though. For the tacos, we tried the TNT (fried tongue/lengua and intestine), Birra (stewed goat), El Beso (lengua and pork), and the Blood Sausage. Each had plenty of filling and toppings, with the flavors pairing together nicely in each bite. Good mouth feel with each bite. We actually got everything to go and everything was well packed. Each taco was wrapped individually in foil and placed in boxes. Salsas, lime slices, and radishes are in little plastic cups to go. Located in the plaza behind the Whole Foods, Burger 7 plaza.
(4)Linda K.
Amazing! I was craving Mexican and this had good reviews. The carne asada tacos were amazing!!! I'm definitely going back for more. The camaron taco was eh. Which is why I didn't give 5 stars. The corn on the cob was almost perfect. The chips and grilled guacamole wasn't anything special. I will definitely be eating here again.
(4)Sampad D.
One of the best place for tacos. Loved their spicy goat meat tacos. It was spicy and filled with meat. I also tried their chicken and shrimp tacos. All of them were just amazing. There is not much to speak about the ambiance. They have few seats inside the restaurants and few in the patio. WILL CERTAINLY RECOMMEND TIS PLACE AND THE GOAT MEAT TACOS .Do try their amazing sauce with the tacos.
(4)Sudeeksha M.
It is one of the best taco places I have ever been to! The food is completely worth the sometimes long lines. When you are looking for a quick incredibly-tasty meal, this place is almost a no-brainer.
(5)Jennifer I.
These are just the best tacos you will ever have. Go.
(5)Chris S.
I love this place I wish there were 50 stars. My faves are the corn, flautas, chicharrones and the lengua tacos. We haven't tried everything but we've been thrilled with everything, so far. Ordering more, now!!!
(5)Ruth C.
Good amount of parking in this back plaza, beverages in the fridge, counter seating for maybe 10 and a quartet of benches outside. Depending on customer traffic, some orders were called and others were handed directly to the seated patron. Service was friendly on all fronts either way. Doubled corn tortillas and fairly enjoyable sauces. Blood sausage taco nuestro - best preparation of blood sausage that I've had. Texture not too crumbly, enough casing to fake that extra chew, and firm enough to slice. The corn and cotija accent in a supporting role, with a garnish of chopped grilled scallions and a smear of red chili. T.N.T. taco nuestro - also phenomenal. All the right textures are there and on point, and the ratio of filling was best here. I'd consider the mouthfeel to be friendly for offal newbs. Onions to make you feel marginally less carnivorous. El Beso taco nuestro - beautifully crisped tongue, pork and beef varieties diced evenly on top of chili aioli, overlaid with two lengths of lightly charred scallion. Taco Underground popup specials - Nak-Yang flautas had good crunch under the crema, but I think the filling worked better in Amara's taco form. Exterior crisping on the tender tendon, cut to varying sizes. Chorizo laab adds solid Asian flair. Taco bamba - there's a lot going on in this taco, and all of it's good. Chorizo and skirt steak are tender and tasty. The semi-airy chicharrones and sliced chiles add that extra oomf, with grilled guac and some strands of pickled red onion to mellow the spice. Taco camaron diabla - the small, lightly battered shrimp weren't overcooked, and the drizzle of crema had nice enough flavor to not come in last. Taco birria - goat meat was a little dry beneath the garnishing onion and cilantro, so I liberally applied chile verde at will. Pulpo - not as firm a cook as I had expected, but not bad. Bacon and guacamole both surprisingly upstaged. Spicy 'shroom - smoky, earthy flavors with a fair amount of spice and grilled corn kernels. Arabe - not a huge fan of their ancho mayo, but the grilled chicken was properly moist. Jamaica agua fresca was very sweet on the hibiscus. Four and a quarter stars for my new favorite taco spot in NoVA. This is a place that understands how to season their proteins and cook offal to proper tenderness. Not sure how I missed the horchata in lieu of Mexican cola but I'll rectify that next go. I respect what I've eaten so far and would repeat most of it, but there isn't much of the rest of the menu that I don't want to munch my way through. Tortas are aggressively sized, so I may have to tackle those and the cob last. Future priorities include Black Pearl, pozole rojo, tinga sope.
(4)Steve T.
Diamond in the dirt type of place. It's a pretty small restaurant but it delivers quality tacos at a very reasonable price. I usually stick with the traditional tacos since they're simpler, and less pretentious. I feel like they're just trying to stuff a whole lot of semi-random stuff into their specialty tacos. The beef tacos and chicken tacos are pretty good, but the real deal is the Al Pastor - Pork and Pineapple. It's never done me wrong every time I've gone. They have this green sauce that takes the entire taco experience to the next level too. Taco tip - order two tacos at a time. They stuff them pretty full here, so you need to pace yourself. If you order 3, they usually put all 3 in a basket, so they can't stuff them as full. I would come here every day but I'm afraid to see what the calories are.
(4)Kyle P.
Absolutely love this place and recommend it to anyone who listens. I've been coming now for over a year and it's been consistently awesome the entire time. There is a small breakfast menu above the cash register, ORDER FROM IT! They have the best chilaquiles I've ever had. All of the four dollar tacos are phenomenal as well, as I've tried every one now multiple times- with my favorites being the arabe, diablo and black pearl. Sadly, it's so busy that I only go on off hours now which I thought 8 o'clock at night on a Sunday would be a good time and I was still at the door waiting in line. Luckily though, now that I'm on daddy leave, I've been there four times before 10 AM and there's never been a line. A must for anyone in the area that enjoys authentic tacos.
(5)Helen P.
This place is a gem! You can't find tacos this good anywhere else around here. Only compliant is the seating, wish there was more room and tables inside.
(4)Kristine M.
MY NEW MISSION IS TO TRY EVERY TACO ON THIS MENU. It is so good. Gourmet tacos with a whole bunch of different meats and flavor combos for about $4/pop. And great, great add-in sauces! + The menu blew me away right off the bat. I think it was love at first menu sight. Goat, beef cheeks, tripe, tongue. The menu's looking to impress. And it delivers! + El Beso was my favorite of the 3 tacos I got. Fried pork and beef tongue. Great flavor. + Camarones taco was soooo good. Close 2nd to La Besa. Well-seasoned, perfectly cooked shrimp. + Sopes (the one-up to the standard taco) are brilliant. The crunch on the bread is just a perfect, fun addition to the pile of fillings you get on top. Make sure to get this TO ORDER and NOT take-out!!! It would be a shame to get this when soggy and cold! ~ I liked the concept of the Black Pearl... the fish was well breaded and fried, but overall the taco was lacking flavor. This one received a lot of the yummy, yummy sauces from the sauce bar. ~ Tried my sister's Spicy Shroom... and boy was it spicy. I can take a decent amount of spice but this one day it was interferes-too-much-with-the-flavor-HOT. ~ The horchata is too cinnamon-y for my taste! But I like that it's not too creamy and has a more refreshing texture. - They didn't have an agua fresca del dia the day I went :O( EVERY TACO (i.e. the nuestros) SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AS A SOPES S'IL VOUS PLAIT. Until next time, Taco Bamba.
(4)Lhynette C. A.
The best beef tongue tacos that ever hit my taste buds. Went here for lunch with one of my coworkers John (he's a foodie like me). The service was pretty speedy and organized. There is limited seating, just be aware. I spent about $11 for 3 tacos - tongue, fish and pork. REALLY good fish tacos. I cannot wait to come back to try the other tacos and item from the TAC-NOS :) Try Taco Bamba...you won't be disappointed!!!
(4)Laurie W.
Delicious. I'm super jealous that my husband works close to Taco Bamba and gets to go there once every few weeks - I took my day off today as an opportunity to "pick him up for lunch" and that's where we were going (he didn't have a choice)! I had two tacos (traditionales) - the carne asada (steak) and the tinga (chicken). The chicken was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and tender, as was the carne asada. I like my food with a bit more heat so I always make sure to load up on the sauces I they provide, especially the orange one. I also had the chips and grilled guac - I like that there's a very slight smoky flavor to the guacamole, which is very unique. My husband had two tacos (nuestros) which are slightly bigger than the traditional tacos - he had the Taco Bamba and the Arabe (I am definitely ordering the Arabe next time - it was fabulous). I like that these tacos are actually on grilled bread (thicker than corn tortillas, looks like pita bread even though I know it's not). All of the tacos are stuffed with meat and toppings - you aren't going hungry. Prices are pretty reasonable, too - in line with the competition but I feel that Taco Bamba's ingredients are above and beyond. When it's crowded, seating is a challenge - there's counter seating but only about 10 or so seats in the entire place. Be prepared if you come during prime times. Delicious and reasonable - Taco Bamba's a winner in my book.
(5)Valerie T.
Fantastic. The el beso taco was the best one of the ones I ordered. It had fried pork and beef tongue that was so crispy and flavorful. I also got amara's taco, el gringo, and the Cameron. El gringo was bigger than the others and is like your go-to ground beef and cheese taco. The house made chipotle chicharones were perfectly crunchy and seasoned. They had day of the dead cookies for Halloween and a selection of mexican candies to offer. Be warned, this is a casual taco joint so no tables and seating, just bar stools and standing where there's room to stuff your mouth with tacos. Got the torta bamba to go and that thing is massive. I'll be full for the next couple days.
(5)Diana D.
Sopes, sopes, and more sopes. Love to have my sopes piled 4" high with delicious toppings. a flavorful masa platform, topped with a thin layer of beans, a layer of tons of meat (asada and carnitas are my go-to's), some lettuce, some cheese, salsa and a slice of fresh avocado. Drip a few drops of freshly squeezed lime juice and proceed to chomp through like a machine with a healthy side of the orange spicy salsa and a bunch of baby slices of radish. i highly recommend you grab a bag of their crispy crunchy chicharrones for the road. the only single little thing I would change on their menu is the recipe for a perfectly sweetened, not-too-cinnaminny, and creamy, ice-cold horchata.
(5)Nabiha C.
Holy moly this place is a hidden gem. You gotta try the tacos here. Especially the shrimp tacos. SLURP!!!
(4)Jeff H.
Great food, although kinda pricey depending on what you order. Pros: Quality of food, I recommend the sopes and Torta Bamba sandwich. The sopes are $6 and are much more portion appropriate than the tacos. Cons: Tacos are small plus slightly pricey for the fancier types ($4 each), Slow - although it's all cooked fresh, phone in order recommended! It's a small place, so when it's crowded it gets kinda cramped in there!
(4)Lori A.
Decided to try this little hole in the wall place because I am a big fan of tacos. Ordered the Taco Bamba, Carnitas and Carne Asada. All 3 were delicious and really authentic. They make your food in front of you (which I like) but the only downside was a slight wait and the size of the establishment. There is seating against the wall but that's it, so patrons waiting for their food tend to be on 1 big cluster. If in the area, definitely check this place out!
(4)Ken L.
Save your money and go to Chipotle instead! I had heard good things about this place but I was not impress at all. First thing I noticed when walked in was the smell. It was just very smoky. I mean I understand it's because they cook the food right there, next to the seating area, but at least have better vents! I got the barbacoa, beef, and shrimp tacos. They were $3 each, not worth it for what you get, in my opinion. Everything except the shrimp was bland. I had to keep adding the sauce... Would not be going back.
(2)Patrick J.
Wow, wow. taco bamba. Speechless. Come try it for yourself. Spicy goat, carne asada my recommendation.
(5)Megan P.
Apparently this has been in my backyard for awhile now, and I've only just now learned about it from friends and even my mother. I met up with two girlfriends for lunch which was tough because this place was PACKED even at noon on a Saturday. Seating is limited, and there are chairs outside...but no tables. We finally snagged three stools and settled in to stuff our faces. I got a carne asada taco and the black pearl. The carne asada was good -- not sure if you can ask for topping but I should have because a taco with just meat and some onions was ok. The black pearl (a fancy fish taco) was so so yummy. I'm still dreaming about it. The fish was perfectly cooked and the avocado slice and spicy coleslaw was a perfect compliment. the black aioli is a little unnerving when you see it, but it's really delicious. I definitely want to be back to try more!
(4)Kshitij S.
Had the shrimp, spicy shroom and the chicken soft tacos, they were awesome. some of the best tacos I have ever had. The mad rush at the joint is also a indication of the good food.
(4)Stephanie F.
Great tacos at a great price ($3 for traditional tacos). They are also very filling... two tacos and I'm done! A must-try spot... and hidden too.... I grew up in the area and never new it was there until a week ago. Don't mind the blaring loud music when you go in- it's part of their atmosphere- the tacos are worth it!!
(5)Kimi A.
These tacos are excellent! I got one of their sandwiches, and it was equally as good. There is not much seating space, but the food is good enough to outweigh that. Next time I want to try the chicharrones... Also the tacoes are pretty big so I found 2 to be enough (not tiny street tacos).
(5)Katrina C.
The best tacos I've had in my life. I've lived with Mexicans, in Mexico, and am from California. Tons of tacos. Never this fabulous.
(5)Kathleen R.
Delicious. Authentic. Tacos. Enough Said.
(5)Jesse F.
This is probably the best authentic Mexican taco place I've found in the DC area since moving here from south Texas. I had 4 tacos with the taco bamba style being my favorite - skirt steak, chorizo, guacamole, and other veggies. The camaron was also excellent. The pulled pork and goat were good, but could have used a little more flavor. All the tacos were double wrapped in corn tortillas - the way a good taco should be. The Mexican Coke and guacamole both complimented the tacos well too. It's tucked away in a shopping center that you would never really notice otherwise. The atmosphere is understated - counter service, tejano music playing overhead, a few seats around a counter, and a few chairs outside. I'll definitely go back here when I get another hankering for some tacos.
(4)Mark S.
Very interesting location. It is a very hip/modern looking taco joint. Reminds me of the chipotle layout. The food was alright. Not too bad, but not amazing either (despite the bazillion yelp reviews). There's really no where to sit inside the restaurant except along the wall. Outside there are some random chairs, but there weren't any tables? We ended up eating in our car.. which is a bit messy. The food had a lot of onions in it and almost overpowered the meat.
(3)Jared W.
Good! Gourmet tacos for a good price. There is nothing I can't say that hasn't been said already. Definitely try it.
(4)Bao-quan H.
4 Steamed Baos up! (Quick review checklist): [X] I'd eat here again. [X] I'd recommend this to someone [ ] One time deal, wouldn't come back Order: Black Pearl, Spicy Shroom tacos, and corn on the cob. Pretty good place. Don't order the Tortas if you're not hungry, Tacos are good but gets pricey. I'm playing the "Gotta eat them all" at this place Tip: Place gets packed so be prepare to wait for your order.
(4)Nadine F.
Taco Bamba is the closest thing I've had to good Mexican food since I left Texas. I like their fast-casual atmosphere, though it would be nice if they had real tables instead of just barstools. I've tried about six different tacos, and my favorite so far has been the spicy 'shroom, which I did not expect to like. I loved their tortillas and the corn on the cob with its amazing tangy sauce. Service was decent, and the prices were right. I like that you can order the tacos individually and get a reasonable portion rather than being forced to get an enormous platter. I will definitely return to Taco Bamba many times in the future. I'm knocking off one star for the seating situation and the terrible horchata, though it was my first time trying horchata, so it's possible that I just don't like horchata.
(4)Heather M.
Lots of variety of tacos! Got an assortment of all kinds and they were all delish! Also got the corn with the cheese. Must get! It's a little tucked away but finding! Awesome salsas too!
(5)Steven B.
I heard great things about Taco Bamba, and I was not let down. The shredded pork tacos are insanely delicious, and unlike some places, they don't skimp on the meat. One complaint: the music was so loud that the cashier and I could barely hear each other - they might want to consider turning it down a few decibels.
(4)Danya D.
I would give Taco Bamba a 4 star review because the tacos are overall good, a bit pricey, but good. However, I think a good business is not only about the food. Customer service plays a huge roll and today we got hugely disappointed. Today, I had my order to go, there were around 4 boxes and I trusted that my order was accurate. When I got home, I realized there was one taco missing. Inconvenient since we now we didn't have enough food, but not a big deal. I called to let the business know and get my $4 dls taco refunded.Also, so that in the future they could pay better attention to orders to go. They passed me to the manager, Tom. He picked up the phone and was completely unresponsive, he not only stayed on the phone quite for 30 seconds twice, he blamed the whole issue on me, telling me it was my fault for not checking my order. What? Now it is my fault that you are not careful enough to give me the food that I paid for? How come you didn't forget to charge me?.. To me that is called stealing. I told him that he couldn't blame me for that. With a mockingly attitude he told me what do you want me to do? Refund your 4dls? and then proceeded to hang up the phone on me. Extremely poor customer service! You cannot even call a person who does that, a manager. If I were Taco Bamba's owner I would be concerned on how this person is treating their customers. We have been a fond customer of Taco Bamba, coming every week and sometimes buying food for a large number of people. In avg we spend 300 dls worth of tacos a month. It is sad, because the quality of the food is good, thanks to chef Victor Albisu, but I cannot support a business who treats people, let alone customers, like that. For now, there are other good taco places around like District Taco who will appreciate our business.
(1)Mina C.
I don't think I like tacos. I've been here a couple of times, and every single time I always have to eat afterwards. It never leaves me satisfied. I've tried the black pearl, the "taco bamba", T&T (when they had it), intestines, stewed chicken, lamb, carne asada, etc etc. Basically, aside from the tortas, I've had everything on this menu. Nothing has wowed me. Nothing has tasted so good I dream about it for days. So why do I come/come back? Because of the bf. He likes the intestine tacos, saying he's never had the deep fried style before. EH I'd prefer something else. Or maybe I just don't like tacos? Oh ps- I LOVE CORN, but the corn everyone raves out is kinda nasty and definitely bland. It might have been a fluke, but after alll the hype there was some serious disappointment accompanied by self pity and hanger.
(2)Ashburn C.
The food here is soo good. I will crave taco bamba on a weekly basis. The best taco is the Taco Bamba, but I also love the carnitas. Only thing I would change is make the seating better since it's always so crowded but no where to sit.
(4)Kimberly T.
Just wasn't the type tacos I enjoy eating. I'm not a fan of corn tortilla tacos and it was a bit greasy to my liking. Great concept with their variety of taco options, unfortunately there's just nothing that would make me come back here.
(3)Robert P.
Owners seem like they can't decide whether they are going for hole-the-wall or trendy... and unfortunately the place seems to have more of the worst of both rather than the best of both - not very clean, very crowded and pretty expensive for what you get (at least on the taco side). Located in a fairly sketchy strip mall (for Northern VA), the clientele seemed to be heavily represented by the ridiculous-hat-hipster and government-assisted-living crowds. As other reviewers mentioned, seating really not good, counter staff ambivalent to rude. Prices very high for food truck fair. It appears that whoever started the place has some really innovative ideas for tacos as illustrated by the many other reviews that talk about different options. The effort at innovation is the only reason I have this at 2 stars vice 1 as the food just wasn't that great and virtually everything else about the place is subpar. We tried 6 of the top choices; they all looked very good; smelled very good; but in the end, all tasted thrown together. It seems that the place might be a victim of its popularity as the food was being made assembly line; looked rushed and thrown together; and tasted rushed and thrown together. I am not a germaphobe and do not lose sleep about how many people handle my food, but if you have a germaphobe in your party, you don't want to come to this place. Better off seeking out any local strip mall mom and pop place - food will be cheaper, better, without having to fight for a stool to perch on to greedily nibble your tiny, yet surprisingly expensive taco.
(2)Jackie N.
My BFF suggested Taco Bamba for a casual dinner. FYI - it is located in the shopping BEHIND the shopping center with Whole Foods. I made that mistake... A lovely dive with just a few seats, Taco Bamba doesn't look like much from the decor, but oh my was I blown away. You simply order at the corner and wait for your food to be ready at the other end of the service line. I got the Taco Bamba (skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, chicharrones) and the Spicy 'Shroom (Chipotle portabella, grilled corn, cotiga, and pepitas). I also got sour cream on the side. They have various sauces which I believe are different each day. The Taco Bamba was delicious and the skirt steak just melted in your mouth. I am weary of steak in tacos since if cooked poorly, it can be tough to chew, which does not make for a good taco. But this steak was perfect - it pulled apart easily and I had no trouble tasting each lovely morsel. After the Taco Bamba, I thought it couldn't get any better, but then I ate the Spicy 'Shroom. OH WOW. I love portabella buns (like pork buns), but never had them in tacos. The chipotle portabella with all the fixings was such an amazing combination I could not believe how good it was. I definitely recommend giving this place a try, as it is a great local restaurant that is getting a ton of buzz.
(4)Shaynna F.
Absolutely delicious. Don't blink or you'll miss it. Got the taco bamba, birria, and chorizo. the flavors were incredible! the chorizo was incredibly spicy even for someone like me who loves spicy food. a warning on that one would have been appreciated. the corn was amazeballs. left full and happy. will most certainly be back.
(4)Eric B.
Best place in the DC area to get your tacos and any other Mexican food you can think of. The food is made fresh right in front of you. My favorite is the El Beso, Flautas, and their corn on the cob. They also have Thanksgiving turkey legs covered with their me sauce. Everything cooked and made in the restaurant. Hands down the best place to eat Mexican. Highly recommended!!!!
(5)Dul B.
I was there with my co-worker because he recommended. The tacos taste amazing. But it was so small for the price. $4 each tacos and 2 tacos wasn't filling up the tummy. Other than that great to go place for quick and tasty bite.
(4)Mohammed K.
Awesome tacos! 3 tacos for 8$ I had Grilled beef, shredded beef, beef tongue. Enjoyed adding the 3 different sauces to the tacos. The beef tongue was a bit dry for me. My friend had black pearl, it was tasty tender she liked squeezing a little lime on top. We also shared a bag of chips, with a side of guacamole. The guacamole was very good, tasted home made in a good way :-) Here's my BUT the guacamole portion was small, too small for 3 tacos or the bag of chips which I usually like dipping the chips in Guac. Can't wait to get back and try all the other combinations. Glad you're in my neighborhood.
(4)Mark O.
Some of the best tacos hands down! This Mexican-American keeps coming back for more!!!
(5)Sibyl J.
I had such high hopes. It was a cute little place and very popular, all the seats in the tiny establishment were taken, luckily it was just me so I was able to grab a seat once it opened. The ingredients they used looked like quality so I'm really at a loss at how what I saw going into everything turned out so underwhelming, and in the case of the tamale, disgusting. I got the chorizo taco, a tamale and their corn on the cob which they cook then grill then sprinkle a good coating of some spices on. The chorizo was so bland it may as well have been ground beef. I'm not even talking about spicy, I'm talking about flavor. It was also very overcooked, so dry as well. The tortillas were overcooked too, usually pliable and soft, the outer one was hard, and stuck to the inner one because of it. I tackled the tamale next. It was the largest tamale I've seen since moving to the east coast. It was truly reminiscent of the tamales we'd have in East LA size wise, I was excited. It was wrapped all pretty in a cornhusk tied up with little cornhusk ties, a rather traditional and labor irritating way to do it. I cut the ties and unwrapped my present. The tamale flopped out into my container. I say flopped because the masa was only partially set. (I've uploaded a pic.) You know how jello gets hard around the edge but that middle is still all gooey, yeah, that, but with corn masa, ew. I was distraught, hoped it was me, poked it, and it was like poking wet bread. It was a tamale though, and this desert girl is seriously hard up for good Mexican food and I get sick of making it myself. So I attempted to fork a bite. Have you ever tried to stab mashed potatoes? Doesn't work right? You have to scoop them. Well, tamales aren't supposed to have mashed potato consistency. So I managed to get a bite into my mouth (ugh) and even then, the masa was bland. Seriously, I tried it because when I walked up to them I wanted to say, hey you should have left this on for little longer but the masa is fantastic, but, no, can't do it. It was bland. So I took this pitiful paper bowl up to the register where the checkout girl looked at me like I was a bother. The cook asked me if I didn't like it. I told him it wasn't cooked and offered it to them so they could check (for surely, it was obvious, it collapsed in my tray!) Without missing a beat he responded, I've only been working here awhile but that's how we make them. Wow. I responded, well, I've been making tamales with my family since I was a little girl and if I served a half cooked tamale to anyone my grandmother wouldn't have found that ok in the least. I decided it was time for me to leave as they didn't seem to know what to do at that point and despite me giving them my receipt hadn't bothered to offer a refund or something else that was cooked through. So yeah, out of everything I ordered, around $12 mind you, 1 overcooked tasteless taco, 1 inedible partially cooked tamale, 1 corn on the cob 2 bites taken out before leaving because, sometimes it's all just a sign to walk to the Mercado three doors down and just buy the ingredients yourself.
(2)Holly G.
So far, I have yet to try any of their tacos. Friends and coworkers have told me they are great, but I think they are overpriced. I've only had the tortas and they are SO GOOD. SO LARGE. Worth every penny. My favorite has been the Torta Cubana, no jalapeños. I go into a straight food coma - the happiest state of being.
(4)Melinda C.
I begged my colleague to come here with me. She had already been here a few times and said it was just okay, but I was eager to come visit for the first time. I've tried their tacos at several food events, but had not yet been to this location. Well, my colleague was right when she said this place was "okay." I prefer District Taco. I ordered a chicken taco and the chorizo taco, but enjoyed the chicken more than the chorizo. That's not supposed to happen! I'm obsessed with chorizo! The chorizo tacos were definitely not as "juicy" (i.e. oily) as the ones at District Taco, but I like things to drip out of my taco. That's the fun part! I probably won't make any effort to come back on my own (though not having a car doesn't help the cause), but will instead just stick to enjoying Taco Bamba tacos as part of a large food event.
(3)John K.
My coworker and I have been coming here since they opened. The place has been consistently great and has only improved with time. I have been working my way across the menu and have yet to have a bad dish. Great fresh and original flavors, with beautiful presentation. I haven't tried the monster tortas but they look good. Seating is a bit limited but worth it to grab a spot at the window bar and chow down. Don't forget to try some (or all) of the great sauces.
(5)Anh C.
This hidden gem is absolutely amazing. It reminds me of when the fantastic tacos you could get from the LA food trucks when food trucks first starting popping up. The line is around the door for lunch so get there early so you're not spending you're whole time waiting. Or call it in and pick it up. But if you do end up waiting, the wait is well worth it. Trust me!
(5)Margaret D.
This place has kickin' flavors. The taco menu is extensive, with something for everyone. I tried the beef tongue, al pastor pork with pineapple, and the spicy shrimp with avocado. The beef tongue and pork pineapple are two of their specialties, but the tongue was by far the winner. The pork fell a little flat; it felt like they needed a bit more savory to offset the pineapple. The tongue was fried crispy on the outside, chewy and flavorful on the inside. Yum! Their tacos are creative - Mexican with a twist - and reminiscent of something you'd find at a gastro pub, with a lot more authenticity. Corn tortillas for the win! This place is packed at lunchtime, so don't forget to call ahead! It's not really suitable for sit down.
(4)Mo H.
Absolutely the best tacos in Northern VA...possibly in the entire metro area. Flavors are consistently amazing across the entire menu. Vegetarian options are also killer good. Personal favorites are the chorizo, barbacoa, al pastor, taco bamba, and spicy shroom. If you're a taco fan, stop what you're doing and make this your next meal.
(5)Gus S.
Wow. What I got: Arabe (chicken), Black Pearl (fish), and Taco Bamba (beef without Chorizo). The Arabe was my favorite of the 3 even though they were all fantastic. The staff are really cool, Carlos was very patient with us while we asked a ton of questions. Highly recommended, I am excited to try their breakfast.
(5)John T.
Love the food here, truly amazing!
(5)Jim P.
I just tried this place out after hearing about it from some coworkers. It may be the best tacos I've had in a long time. Everything was made fresh, and to order. I can't wait to go back. I feel like this place beats District Taco hands down, and I'll be a regular.
(4)Michael L.
Taco Bamba would fare very well in SoCal....I am so grateful they located here. The tacos are superb. I live in Ashburn and I will be making regular trips to Taco Bamba. These are truly the best tacos I have found in the DC area. Thanks for gracing us, Taco Bamba.
(5)Lisa D.
Taco Bamba is a hidden gem near Tysons and Falls Church, tucked into a shopping center behind Whole Foods. It gets hectic during the lunch rush and seating is limited. I went around 2pm on a Saturday and the rush was just ending. The wait can get lengthy for the food to come out. The pork tamale was surprisingly good, with a nice smoky flavor from the corn husk. I've tried several of the tacos and all have been delicious, even the poutina (with french fries!). A good place for vegetarians with all of the flavorful options, but I wouldn't take my parents here. It gets loud and stressful, but if you're able to handle that, it makes for a really amazing experience. It looks like they might have tables outside for warm weather too.
(5)Daniel C.
Authentic tacos down to the house made tortillas! The chicken yogurt sauce "arabe" is a must try! Get it on a pita! Get right out of town...mmm
(5)Tram P.
This is such a hidden gem! Not too many people know about Taco Bamba because it's a hole-in-the-wall but it's worth seeking out. It has unique flavors and the food has a fun flair that you don't see at other generic taco places. Definitely recommend!
(5)M D.
Great food and great service! We thought the food would take longer to cook, but they were so fast that we didn't even notice our number called! The cook was nice enough to remake our order!
(4)Tracy D.
Save your money and go to Chipotle instead!! We ordered 3 tacos and nachos. We were able to order each taco with a different type of meat: carne asada, carnitas, and cecina. Every single one of these meats were salty beyond recognition. I think we rated the meats to our "liking" based on which meat was the least salty and actually tasted like meat! The nachos were just sad and pathetic, sprinkled with melted cheese that hardened when it got colder and topped with a few pieces of tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. They gave us guacamole to go along with our nachos but it had already oxidized for awhile and was turning brown. They could learn a thing or two from Chipotle. What really got us was the prices for the food because it really wasn't worth it... We were still hungry and ended up going to McDonalds afterwards. Should've just gone there first. The only plus was staff was friendly. We were greeted, assisted in making selections, and addressed when we left.
(1)Lenna L.
The price for the food, not worth it. I didn't feel good after eating the black pearl and spicy shrimp. Maybe I had a bad experience, but I prob won't go back for 2nd chance
(2)N L.
My dad and I decided to give this place a try. Seeing that it is in one of the most viscerally frightening strip malls in the Tysons / Falls Church area, this place was hopping with friendly, non-scary happy people! I don't know much about authentic Latino food, or even if this is considered authentic, but recognizing they refer to this as a "taqueria" and comparing it to widely-known "Americanized" places like Chipotle, I believe I now understand the critical difference. These tacos are dry dry dry. How can meat wrapped up in a tortilla not be? I think "Americanized" means you add a lot of shit to a taco, like cheese and sour cream, so that it won't be so doggone dry! (or maybe we Americans just add calories because we are fat, and that's what "Americanized" really means) I ate a pork and a chicken taco and even after adding salsa, all I could think of was, "This would be SOOOOO good with some cheese and sour cream!" I realize this comment may incite 10,000 taquerians to hunt me down and turn me into a taco. I also realize that ANYTHING would taste good with some cheese and sour cream. Just keeping it real... that shit needs some sauce! But aside from almost choking to death, I really loved the fresh flavor that sings of cilantro and onion! I also like the price. $3 for one or $8 for three. You can have it your way! But that shit needs some sauce.
(3)leslie k.
amazing tacos!!! came here with a couple friends and it was an amazing little find. it's a hole in the wall restaurant, but I find those to be some of the best places. we will definitely be back for more.
(5)Bill F.
Pretty darn good place for a taco for a decent price. Do not listen to Tracy D. urging you to go to chipotle instead. This is a place for simple tacos with some great taste. Taco Bamba is settled into a small corner of the strip mall behind Jason's Deli in falls church. If you blink you will miss the entrance, turn right at the subway and park near the karate place. If there was a smidge more room in the joint I would put this at a 5. Right now its best to take out the tacos as opposed to eating them there, just due to lack of space. The choices are freaking delicious and I try to do three different meats every time I have made an appearance. I have yet to be disappointed by the taste (though the Chorizo is REALLY spicy to my tounge.). If you have a chance go here and try it out, it may be added to your lunchtime lineup. But get their early or late as its starts crowding at 11:30 and does not clear out until 1 or 1:30.
(4)Zach N.
Good stuff. Small, corner nook with great flavors and hot food. Super bussy for lunch and pretty packed for dinner. Not much seating, mostly take away. I don't eat meat, so the mushroom taco and grilled avo are what I eat and will it many more.
(4)Laura K.
This place has to change things up, my experience wasn't that great. The place was clean and the staff were friendly but the steak in the bamba tacos were cold and tough and hard to chew it. They def over cooked the steak and then left it out for sometime before serving it to me...cuz it wasn't hot and fresh. :(
(2)Mike N.
This place is awesome. My wife and I went here and ordered a little bit of everything. Everything we tried was delicious. I really enjoyed the fact that the music they were playing was uncensored rap. I don't know why but it was just a nice change of pace from what you typically hear in a restaurant. The only negative thing I can say is that it is very small. The only seating they have are bar seats around the perimeter of the restaurant and there are only about 12-20 seats total. If you want to eat in, I would suggest getting there early. We went on a Friday night around 6pm and by 6:15pm it was jammed packed. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)Dan F.
I am sad to give this place a low review. I'm not someone to badly review a place because I arrived and they weren't open, or because I perceived bad service. This is a rating based purely on the food. The service was excellent and friendly and the place was clean. It's just..meh. The meat is not that interesting (I tried carne asada, shredded beef and lamb), the sauces are amazingly weak (I tried mild and medium, but seriously the medium was as spicy as water..give me a LITTLE bit of a kick) and the corn on the cob was DROWNING in butter, salt and cheese. I'm not sure how they do corn on the cob in mexico, peru or cuba but in Colombia where I am from, you do not drown the corn on the cub in butter, salt and cheese. Just a tiny bit of butter and salt is all that is added, not a bucket. I guess in the future I will ask for it plain and salt and butter it myself. I have had tacos in Mexico (no not cancun) and street tacos in Los Angeles. I have had good Mexican tacos in the Mexican Mile in Hyatsville, MD. I know good Mexican tacos. These are not good Mexican tacos. These are mediocre to bad Mexican tacos. Maybe because Chef Victor Albisu is Peruvian and Cuban (neither of which do tacos) and trained in Le Cordon Bleu School in Paris (not really a culture known for their tacos) the tacos just lack the flavor and personality that makes street tacos so damn good. But these tacos SHOULD be good. I mean the Chef has worked at three-star Michelin places in Paris. Maybe it's because of this chef's pedigree that I hold him at pretty high standards. These should be at least as good as Mexican street tacos in LA or Mexican street tacos in Hyattsville MD. But they fall short. While it is a bit tacky to mention other restaurants in a review, the Salvadorean tacos at Tipicos Gloria in Herndon VA are much, much, much better. I don't think they speak english there, but you can probably get by with the picture menu. Salvadorean tacos at La Preferida food truck in Takoma Park, MD are much better as well. And at both places there is no paris-trained chef behind them, it's just a bunch of Salvadorean moms making ends meet. R&R Taqueria in Elkridge Maryland makes amazing Mexican tacos. At least Taco Bamba serves Chilaquiles (awesome Mexican breakfast dish), which are very hard to find in an area like Northern Virginia, which has a very low Mexican population. Most of the Hispanic population around here is from Bolivia, El Salvador, Peru but not that many from Mexico. Also, others mentioned there is nowhere to sit. That is silly, there were TONS of bar stools with bar-like seating all over the place.
(2)Joseph W.
Best tacos near D.C...I would go every week if I had the gas to waste. Lol! Tacos are small and soft shelled. The hot taco sauce is not really that hot though. Try the spicy goat...nvm try everything! Soooooo good.
(5)Meghan G.
Taco Bamba impressed me with their authentic approach to Mexican food, but fell short on some flavors and textures. The carne asada tasted great, but the meat chunks were too big and chewy. I was looking for smaller cubes that have been slow cooked a bit longer for that melt in your mouth effect. The cilantro and onion topping was perfectly authentic and the habanero salsa was amazing. The chicken was very tasty and delicious. The juevos rancheros was just a tostada with beans, shredded chicken and lettuce topped with an egg. It was not the traditional take on the dish, which left me disappointed because I love the red sauce topping that usually comes with it.
(3)Steve S.
Super and inventive tacos. Unlike any other tacos you are probably used to. I like the Taco Bamba very much.
(5)Patrick C.
Been coming here since they opened. The tacos are excellent. I'm a foodie, and this is one of a few places I am a regular. Writing this review I'm fresh off a trip to San Francisco and Austin, both of which have lots of amazing taco places, and Taco Bamba is still one of the best I've ever been to.
(5)Rhys D.
There are better options in the area for tacos, but the al pastor is by far the best in the region! Will be returning for just that.
(3)Kelly G.
Heard about this place from a friend a few days ago and couldn't wait to try this place as it was hailed as "the most authentic Mexican food in the area". As one might assume from the name, this is a taco place (with a few other options). The menu has more than a dozen taco options, so I couldn't try them all, but was very pleased with the three I ordered: barbacoa, enchilada, and al pastor. Loved the pineapple and pork combo on al pastor and the flavor of the barbacoa, however I thought the enchilada taco was a little dry. For the price I thought this was a good bargain and look forward to going back again.
(4)Sarah K.
These tacos are awesome. We went with a friend who is from Mexico and he even admitted they were better than the ones his mom makes. Get the Taco Bamba. Other interesting ingredients are pulpo (octopus) and tripa (beef intestines) Also Carlos is a great chef.
(5)Jen G.
This place is in one word amazing. Everything is made fresh and really delicious. The Black Pearl fish taco has so many different flavors, truly something i can say is unique. Each taco is a blend of fresh ingredients. The grilled guacamole is also very tasty!
(5)Pai K.
1st time visit and was it worth it! great authentic tacos..We had the "Black Pearl" fish tacos which were very tasty, The taco Bamba wasn't my favorite, little lite on the fillings...kids enjoyed there Ting a (shredded chicken) & Carne Asaso tacos. Looking forward to the next visit i will try the Chriozo & Lengua! Only a few bar stools and counter space for seating, we did carry out! Grilled guacamole & chips were very tasty! Enjoy!
(4)Pragna H.
If I could, I would come here every week. Says the person who hardly ever goes to the same restaurant (not counting Whole Foods' hot bar) more than once, if she can avoid it. Taco Bamba is that good! I had the Taco Bamba (Skirt Steak, Chorizo, Grilled Guacamole, Chicharrones), El Beso (Crispy Pork & Beef Tongue, Charred Scallions, Chili Aioli) and an Al Pastor (Pork and Pineapple). I was already sold at seeing Al Pastor on the menu, but took a really long time to decide as everything looked so delectable. This is one of the few times in my life when I wish I were a six and a half foot, 300 lbs man. I could easily pick 12 different things on the menu that I wanted to try. The fact that they use two layers of tacos (tortilla) is a huge plus. It is extremely annoying when your taco breaks and all the goodies fall all over your plate and you have to use a fork to pick them up and then stuff the bread into your mouth separately. Tacos are finger foods. TB ensures that they remain as such! The crunch of the char of the steak in the Taco Bamba (taco) along with the creaminess of the grilled guac is a nice touch. Little things like these make life ever so taco-licious. The El Beso was a little kiss at every bite. Every bite is a little surprise as you never know if your next bite will have beef or pork or tongue or all of the above. The Al Pastor was every thing you want from an AP. A lil bit o' sweet, a lil bit o' spice. Speaking of little things in life, I really really appreciate those small cups of sauce. You can mix and match and create wonders. Writing this is making my mouth water. Seriously, it was that good. I don't really care if it is authentic or if it compares against whatever you can find in Mexico or your girlfriend's mom's kitchen table. It is great fresh food that tastes awesome. With an open mind and empty stomachs, head to TB.
(5)Andrew B.
I'm not one to post reviews, but this place deserves it. I came here out of the blue and have gone back multiple times since then. The staff was joyful and insightful when it came to pairing their homemade taco sauces with the tacos I had ordered. I had been looking for a good authentic taco shop in the area for awhile and this place answered. They have a wide variety of taco choices from the authentic classics (carne asada, fish, chorizo, etc) all the way to their house tacos such as the Taco Bamba, El Beso, and Al Pastor. Overall, they have delicious tacos, great employees, and even better prices (3 tacos for $8). I would highly recommend this taquerÃa to anyone looking for a great meal.
(4)Brian K.
Best taco place in the NoVA. There, I said it. Lunch here is fantastic but one of the best things about Taco Bamba is breakfast. My wife and I go there once a week for a "breakfast date" before work. She's crazy for the heuvos rancheros while I like to order a little something off the menu, I call it Tacos El Brian! I order 3 corn tortillas filled with eggs, chorizo and cheese and have it topped with onions. OMG, it's absolutely amazing. I wish it was breakfast time right now! Maybe if enough people ask for it they'll put it on the breakfast menu.... :)
(5)Darren H.
Awesome Tacos! I had 2 chicken and a shredded pork and they were cooked just right with a great flavor! The sauces were really good, especially the habanero, which was spicy but not over the top. The place was clean and surprisingly busy, being tucked in to a dive shopping center. The manager or owner was calling the order numbers out and is a really nice guy! The only negative I have is that the guac was brown when I took off the lid. I didn't notice when she bagged it as I got everything to go.
(4)Alison T.
I have been here twice and both times have satisfied me very much. You walk in to a loud, small place with three smiling employees. There is a huge billboard of many amazing items. I recommend the Tinga -- a chicken taco with a pleasant spice. The only downside is that there is a small amount of seating, so get there before rush hour. But overall, it is an amazing taqueria and I would defiantly recommend it!
(5)Sarig A.
This place is so good that I refuse to tell just anyone about it -- only the most most most deserving of my friends. First -- my better half and I know tacos. We lived in SoCal... and we drove to the seediest neighborhoods in LA to try the best taco stands. We know how it should be presented, how much it should cost, and what it should taste like... and really how fast I should scarf it down. These are fantastic tacos. I got the carnitas (shredded pork), el pastor, and chorizo. They were piled high with meat and all sorts of goodness. When the tacos are piled high and the ingredients are this good (no odd little unchewable pieces of meat to be found anywhere), it is well worth the extra dollar in price. Actually -- even in LA... taco prices have gone up. (I blame it on the yuppies and hipsters...) Oh - did I mention the tacos were HOT off the grill? It was freshly prepared. I ate my three tacos, in 15 minutes and I wanted more. But there was no room in my tummy... so I decided that we're going back for dinner b/c it is that good. I like the set up with the indoor bar and outdoor seating. There should be more high top tables inside for the winter... (management take note!). The sauces are very good... and unexpectedly interesting... I personally prefer tapatio sauce... but they had good alternatives that I never tried before and that aren't available at Whole Foods (more points!). The reason that I am giving them 4 stars instead of 5: 1) Tacos are slightly messy so it is best advised that tables are wiped and floors are swept constantly. The outside tables had tons of crumbs on the floor that were attracting flies. The west coast taco stands don't let that happen... 2) It is not clear whether they close at 9:30PM or 10PM... but in either case, -- that is way way way too early for any self-respecting taco spot. At minimum, on the weekends it should be open until 11:30PM. YES - 11:30PM... b/c if you love tacos, you want them late at night as well as during the day. This is more important than breakfast. And there are several residential community (hello - large apt/condo buildings!) in the area...! (Compared to LA, where taco stands are open until 3AM - 11:30PM is reasonable) I really hope the yuppies and hipsters won't ruin this spot... and I really can't wait until we go back... for dinner, tonight!
(4)Lin C.
The lengua (beef tougue) tacos are very tasty and sort of authentic
(4)Alex D.
Delicious! I haven't eaten the same thing over and over again over a short period of time and enjoyed it as much everytime as I have for taco bamba. Haven't been disappointed with one thing off their menu. Great mix of authenticity and culinary creativity.
(5)Wayne L.
This taco establishment is a solid 4 stars. Despite having lived in Tysons Corner for quite some time (ok, 2 years only), I was in the area and out of food options. My girlfriend recalled that Albert L. wrote some nice things about Taco Bamba, and since we were at the mall, off we went. Taca Bamba is not located in the same shopping center as the Whole Foods, which I had mistakenly thought it was. In fact, it is located in the little plaza behind it, so parking could be tough(er). The place itself is pretty small, with only a few wall seats to sit at. However, they do have great tacos, and I give everything an easy 4 stars. We tried the lengua, al pastor, carne asada, and one more I forget which one. But anyway, there were delicious, came with double tortillas, and had just the right amount of onions and cilantro. They have a bunch of complimentary sauces which adds more flavor, if you so choose to do so. I did. In the end, I enjoyed my meal. I believe it was 3 dollars a taco, which isn't too bad in my book. Of course, each time I eat something like this, I remember the dollar tacos in LA... but I digress. Regardless, we are in NOVA, and this place works out just fine for me. Might replace District Taco for me... :gasp:
(4)Sarah F.
Worth the trip. Hole in the wall and perfect. Spicy shrimp, al pastor, and spicy shrimp. Best tacos I've had in the area. Not a lot of seating but worth standing for. Really great tacos, great menu.
(5)Kathleen N.
Food ====== $3.00 Chips & Guacamole $6.00 Tacos $ .00 Horchata The tacos are good, not mind blowing, and the sauces are fun, variety and all, but once again, not mind-blowing. The guacamole is a heartfelt disappointment, lacking flavor despite the grilling of the avocados and the addition of chili peppers and... purple onions, I believe. Chips are also a-ok. The problem with my eating here was probably the hype. A lot of excitement, a decent crowd, and just... OK food, the type of which I've definitely experienced better. All considering, the horchata was probably the best thing I had hear. They didn't have any of the usual sludge that I associate with horchata, no settling cinnamon or something powder, just straight up pure sugary white. Decor ======= Wonderfully bright colors with red as a big feature. Their sign is the most colorful in the plaza. Two large patio tables as outdoor seating. Indoors is taken up largely by the cooking grill, which is visually entertaining. It's always a good thing when owners are certain enough of their standards to allow full view of the kitchen. Inside seating-wise, a counter is run along the wall leading to the cash register and in an l-shape on the wall to left of entrance, with bar stools in front. Rather noisy to eat inside, but deal-able. Service ====== Quick, expedited, possibly slightly rude. I was a little distracted to really pay attention. Extra! Extra! ====== - Store is in the Idylwood Plaza behind the one visible on the street, off Pimmit Drive more than the 7.
(2)Christina S.
The quality and authenticity of the flavors, plus the variety of salsa and hot sauce options are terrific. I had the fish taco, which was crunchy, flaky, and fresh. I had a bit of the barbacoa and it also was delicious. I have to say though, I was disappointed with their chips and guac (very small portions and not cheap). Also, for being w 'hole-in-the-wall' joint, I thought they were a little pricey. $8 for 3 basic tacos (which means basically only meat inside a small tortilla) is not what I would consider a deal. Anyone with a healthy appetite will not be satisfied with only three of the basic tacos. That said, I'll definitely be going back to check out the tortas, flautas, soups, etc. Also, if you're on a lunch break, you may want to call and order ahead, they do take some time (approx. 10 minutes) to prepare your order.
(4)Desiree T.
Thought I'd give this place a try since they're closer to me than District Taco and Taco Hell scares me a little, but won't be having that thought ever again. Tried the black pearl and how anyone can mess up a fish taco is beyond me but that might have been the second worst fish taco I've ever had in my life (1st being Green Turtle-yuck)..also tried the carne asada and pork/pineapple tacos which were OK, but were lacking in flavor and weren't really that good at all...they were also out of horchata which I was looking forward to trying and I did not see one sign of a Mexican coke..apple, mandarin, grapefruit etc but no coke..my daughter ordered a cheese quesadilla and even that was not good, Chipotle's quesadilla is at least a million times better than this place; as is District Taco's pork tacos, yum. I would also skip the corn on the cob which has some kind of gross, heavy coating which I had to scrape off. Their salsas also aren't that great either. And lastly, God forbid you have trouble understanding a very heavy Spanish accent because they also talk fast and will get very noticeably irritated with you if you do not understand what they're trying to say. That is all.
(2)Craig C.
Great taste for the person that wants to stick with what they know, or you can get adventurous with variety. They have beef, chicken, pork, fish and a few other offerings. Good enough for me to go back 2 dyas after my first visit. I split a 3 taco and coke meal with my wife for 10 bucks
(5)Ivan Z.
Found this place by accident. Amazing, I started with one sope and that led to 3 sopes plus I took dinner home for everyone and they all loved it! This place made my day. I'm hooked.
(5)Anna L.
Finally found a legit taco place in DC! Went here for the second time this month. Had the Taco Bamba, Taco Besa and Taco carne asada. All are delicious but my favorite is probably between Bamba and Besa. Besa has lengua (or tongue) which I did not expect to like but ended up enjoying! They have a lot of other things you can choose from and I'm sure I'll be back to try more. If you are looking for a place that is very close to the real mexican taco, definitely come here -- you won't be disappointed! And, prices are pretty decent.
(4)Yoeun P.
UPDATE: 9/1/2013 I lied. I go there almost once a week now. It's delicious and not pricey at all considering how much you get. At 3 tacos for $8, you get a lot more food than 3 tacos at El Chilango. In fact, I'm usually full after the second taco. They also now offer horchata. However, their hot sauce is still bland and not hot, and the quality of the meat is very inconsistent. The carnitas are the best thing on the menu when they are moist/fresh, but super dry way too often. -------------------- High quality taco joint by a classically trained chef and it shows, in price, taste and presentation. (Check out the other restaurants by Victor Albisu) Like others have mentioned, it's really pricey for a lunch spot. There is even a $10 soup of the day and $14 torta! Like: - Traditional soft corn tortilla tacos. (I'm looking at you, District Taco, with your flour tortillas and iceberg lettuce) - Wide selection of taco fillings including lengua (tongue) and tripa (tripe). - Exciting non-traditional tacos for foodies like me. Foie gras, bone marrow, duck confit, etc. I can't wait to go down the list. - Meats were flavored/marinated, unlike some places which rely on sauces to help our their plain meat. - Clean modern decor, reminiscent of Chipotle. Refreshing to be able to order street-food style tacos without the place being either a dump or designed like a 1980s Denny's. Dislike: - Price is way too high. This might work in DC, but not a ghetto strip mall in Falls Church, VA. I live next door and Bamba will definitely NOT be a regular spot for me based on price. I'll probably end up continuing to drive to Rosslyn for tacos from El Chilango. - No horchata. Why is this so hard to find in the DMV? - Sauces not spicy and quite watery. I tried all three. I wished they were spicier and thicker so they don't run everywhere. No pico de gallo option either. - Flavors might be a bit too refined? Personal preference, but I prefer my tacos rough around the edges like the kind you can find on the street. That means big bold flavors. The flavors at Bamba were more like something you'd find at a fine dining restaurant: complex but restrained.
(4)Ron E.
What's not to like about this place? The decor is hip, the place is clean, the staff is very friendly with good customer service, and most importantly, the tacos are out of this world. I have tasted tacos at other places and there is no comparison. These guy know how to make a great taco. You can tell the staff are happy there and love what they do. This is my kind of taco joint. I recommend the fish taco and the shrimp taco. Please note, there is limited seating, so at dinner time, you might need to take it to go.
(5)Gigi U.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed it and would go back but you need to know what to expect. This is in between Taco Bell and Rosa Mexicano. They make the food in assembly line in front of you. I suggest calling in your order and eating at home. Some of the tacos has many ingredients and worth the price, some do not. Everything i had was delicious: carne asada, fish taco, elote, taco bamba, grapefruit soda Pros: grilled meat tacos, good variety and selection - especially the nuestro tacos, 3 traditional tacos for $8 is a good deal, elote is the best i've had Cons: no tables, wait for food was a little long, no tables, a little pricey esp the sides, no tables
(3)Yan W.
3.45 stars, with a lot of potential to become a 4 star establishment. The shop is a little hard to find. Look for the subway and turn in. It's actually in a shady strip mall behind the whole foods strip mall. Why not yet a four star? Unfortunately, although I ordered 3 tacos, I was charged full price instead of the three taco price. I ordered the lengua, carne asado, and chorizo. My favorite by far was the lengua (beef tongue). Although the steak was good. I found the chorizo to be a little dry without the sauce. Also, the flour tortillas were nice and soft, but again, seemed to zap a little moisture from my mouth. Overall, I found the tacos to be very flavorful. They just opened when I first tried it, so I will definitely try some of their "new tacos."
(3)Lauren L.
I ordered the "El Gringo" & had some of the corn on the cob. I was more than satisfied! The portions are a little small, but they're definitely filling! I recommend ordering maybe 2-3 orders of your tacos if you have a bigger appetite. Your total will still be about $10 or less!
(4)Dennis C.
Like all the other reviewers, I enjoyed the tacos I received at La Bamba. I had heard about this place from a couple of friends and knew it must be decent for people to be comparing it to LA tacos. The tortillas are good and the meats are well seasoned. The radishes I wish they wouldn't cut into a julienne but I think that is more of a function of being able to place into small sauce containers. Would be nice if they had little sandwich bags so you can take whole or slices of radishes. Sauces are good as well. I only have two gripes. The first is that the carnitas was super oily. I saved it for last because I love carnitas but that ended up making a pool of oil so when I picked it up I had to let it drain for about a minute. Squeezing it helped it along as well but if I hadn't done those two things there would have been A LOT of oil going down the hatch. I mean, it is carnitas so what did I expect right? At least the pork was very well seasoned. So I can look past that. My second gripe, which I find much more concerning is that as I watched the guys making the tacos work, I saw one employee open the fridge below the skillet, grab a skirt steak (raw) with both hands to rip off a piece of it, throw it on the skillet, and then... Began to construct other tacos without replacing his raw meat gloves. He touched handles, sauce bottles, raw vegetables to put on the tacos, everything. As you can see, I still gave the place four stars cause the tacos were good. But I was tempted to tell the guy he should probably replace his gloves to avoid cross contamination. My only source would be Alton Brown and his warnings of doing such things but I just hope the main chef will be able to educate his charges as time goes on.
(4)Jennifer G.
I can't stop thinking about the bamba ball taco - I need one every day! All in all, we enjoyed everything we tried, except the pork tamale b/c there was no sauce on it (they forgot? it is listed on menu as coming with red or green sauce) so it was dry, but all the tacos were super tasty. I would definitely recommend the bamba ball and the enchilada (spicy pork)! I took bites of my friend's black pearl (fish) and taco bamba (carne asada/chorizo) and both were great. The salsas/sauces they offer on side are good, too!
(4)David C.
Tried this for the first time last week and it is definitely a foodies opportunity in Tysons Corner/Falls Church. While I agree, there are some things to pick apart about every restaurant, these guys have something unique for the Tysons, Falls Church area. I tried 4 options including a tamale,and everything was great. The tamale was a little on the moist side for me, but there aren't too many places to get a quick tamale in the area so I will be back for others. In addition, while the price point is a little high at first glance, the quality of the product and presentation is worth the little extra. My biggest bone to pick that others mentioned was the seating. They would be well suited to include either a big communal table or multiple small tables outside since the dishes really aren't suited for takeaway.
(4)Montaign G.
This is one great Falls Church-based taqueria! Authentic & delicious, this tasty taco corner stripmall joint gets my vote as a must-try! 3 tacos for $8 is a steal :) Flavorful carne asada, tender barbacoa, and sumptuous pulled chicken are just a sampling of their delectable menu offerings. I will definitely be back to try their other taco options, but will need some time to digest and recover. Dieters beware! - These people do not skimp out on their taco fillings! You'll definitely go home satisfied :)
(4)Yuvia M.
Authenticity: 3 Stars Overall: 3.5 Think of me as one of the 20-30 people in DMV with actual knowledge of Mexican food and who Yelp. My credentials? I am Mexican. Not like, my parents were born in Mexico kinda Mexican, like I moved here twelve years ago from Mexico, I love food, I cook Mexican food, and up until three years ago I lived in Texas. So I have vast knowledge of the delicious cuisine and enjoy finding places that serve good Tacos. One of my favorite foods. As far as authenticity goes, Taco Bamba has some hit and misses. We didn't order the famous Carne Asada taco because that's about the most boring taco somebody can get. Instead we ordered, the barbacoa, al pastor, chorizo, tripitas and lengua tacos. The best were the tripitas hands down. So crispy and so tasty. Second the chorizo and third the lengua although not the best lengua tacos I've had in DC (see my other review of Super Tacos for that one). The barbacoa was tasty but not barbacoa at all. I wish they would call it something else because this was not barbacoa. It was shredded beef which was tender and seasoned well. I enjoyed it. However, the Al Pastor was not only not pastor but the flavor profile was so off that I don't know where they got their pastor recipe. It's not hard to find a good recipe, I've tried a recipe from Cooks Illustrated and it was pretty spot on. I'm wondering how they could be so off. The salsas were good and they have a good variety so I give them credit for that. Overall the place is definitely good and probably one of the more authentic options you can find in the area. It is not the most authentic Taco place in DC, the honor still goes to Super Tacos in Adam's Morgan but if you live in NOVA and don't want to make the trip to DC, Taco Bamba is a good alternative, just stay away from the Al Pastor.
(3)Em L.
This place is terrific! The shopping center it is in looks a little run down, but this place is clean and friendly. The Mexican corn and sopes here are amazing! If you are feeling adventurous, I recommend the tripe!
(4)Clint G.
One of the best taco experiences we have ever experienced. Simply delicious, affordable, and allows you to try REAL food you may try not otherwise. We can't wait to go back. Can't wait to try the chef's dc restaurant. We shall be regulars!
(5)Shane K.
This place literally just changed my life. I started off with tacos de pollo, carnitas y barbacoa and each of them was amazing, absolutely amazing. The meat was pulled perfectly and was so tender and the juices from the meat made it perfect. I tried the homemade sauces on them too and each sauce was equally as incredible. Sitting there in awe enjoying my jarritos grapefruit drink, the chef asked me and my roommate if we would like to try something off the menu. Boy was that a great decision. He prepared two different tacos, both including meats cheeses and sauces that were phenomenal. Everything consumed here made my day a little bit better. If you have not been here, get out of your seat, in your car and go now. Stop what you are doing and go. Absolutely incredible place with an awesome cook, and not to mention I love that the owner is the son of the owner of la plaza Latina. I will continue to support this family as long as they keep all the good food coming!
(5)Kathleen K.
Yummy tacos in a dive shopping center! I always over-order tacos and they are still good the next day. Make sure to get the grilled guac (Fabulous) and the corn (I added some salt to mine at home). I've had tinga, lengua, carnitas, shrimp, el pastor, carne asada tacos among others. Tinga is great with the lime juice and extra sauce. The shrimp is to die for - really yummy. There really isn't a spot to eat there - so plan to take home or eat while standing up. Parking can be a problem on the weekend.
(4)Wayne L.
SO GOOD! The Black Pearl (fish taco) and El Beso (fried pork, beef, tongue, chili, scallions, aioli) were both amazing. My judgement might be slightly off as I came here right after a hilly 35 mile bike ride. But I'm pretty sure I'll still love this place next time I come.
(5)Jessica C.
Best authentic Mexican tacos in the area, hands down! My favorite menu item is the choriqueso, which has chorizo, guac, cheese, and an amazing sauce. The place itself is very much a hole-in-the-well, but I'm so glad I found out about it. Highly recommended!
(5)K B.
This would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the seemingly unorganized staff. There seemed to be some confusion amongst the line cooks, where they duplicated orders a few times within the 40 mins I was there for. Understandable, since it was pretty crowded, but I'm sure that increased the wait time for other orders. Onto the food- this place is quite good. I got the 3 tacos for $8, and picked the tripe (intestines), lengua (beef tongue), and roast lamb as my proteins. The tripe was very interesting, with a very crunchy texture. Seasoning was quite light, but it allowed the gamey flavor of the tripe to really come through. The lengua was quite similar to liver texture and taste wise, only less irony. The roast lamb was also very well seasoned and cooked to just the right temperature and tenderness. I'm impressed that they don't over season the or dress the tacos and let the fresh ingredients do the talking. They also had a few self-serve salsas to choose from, all of which were fresh, unique, and varied in terms of heat-level. I would recommend trying all of them. I also happened to try one of their pork tamales. Though I've had better, this is a very good tamale for the price and definitely better than any run of the mill Tex-Mex restaurant (think Uncle Julios, Guapos, Mi Rancho, etc). Definitely going back to try more of the proteins as well as their breakfast menu. Can't wait for some chilequiles!
(4)Tom N.
I have to confess, I've been coming back to eat here on the regular now. I ordered a taco de tripa thinking it was beef tripe; delightfully surprised with crispy ox intestines and a new favorite menu item (also, my fluency in Spanish is rather horrific.) The spicy 'shroom tacos are amazing, as is the tamal vegetariano. I actually prefer the vegetariano over the tamales porc, but if you must have one with meat, I'll recommend going with the flavorful salsa verde over the plain ol' spicy rojo. The Black Pearl tilapia taco and Bamba Ball meatball taco are comforting as if homemade; maybe douse it with salsa and salt if you prefer overpowering. I'm by no means an expert on Mexican food, but I love the tacos at Taco Bamba.
(5)Brett M.
Taco Bamba is fantastic. I've been waiting for a Taco joint to show up in the DMV that rivals what you can get in Mexico or California. It has arrived. They have a large selection of meats as well as several special Tacos that are great. Taco Knocks out several popular places in DC. It's worth the drive to Falls Church. The restaurant has only counter seating plan in take out for a large group. Yum!
(4)Andre N.
Happy and satisfied every time we've eaten at Taco Bamba. The food is tasty and we like the 'take-out' experience. The menu has a great variety of tacos and sides, but we would recommend that newcomers try the sopas for a different experience. The fact that the tacos and sopas come pre-dressed makes this a simple and delicious takeout experience. If you are looking for an eat in experience, this probably isn't it. However, for a fast, high-quality food-truck like meal, this is a great spot.
(4)Michele S.
I love this place! So excited to have authentic Mexican food right in Northern VA (and minus the prices of places like Uncle Julios). We had the Carne Asada taco, Black Pearl (PERFECTION!), tamales, and flautas. Can't wait to try more! Everyone raves about the corn. I want to try the breakfasts and arroz con leche too. The only downsides are... (1) hard to find a place to eat your meal. If you can't get a counter spot, you might as well take it to go. And I'd prefer to eat everything hot & fresh right there. (2) The lady behind the register had a hard time understanding me. I don't think it was a language barrier... the music was just SO LOUD (although I love the music!! Just please turn it down a tweak). (3) They need a liquor license. It would be great to have a beer with all of this fabulous food. Margaritas would be great too... but just a beer would make this place perfect in my book. But these are really MINOR issues. This place serves EXCELLENT Mexican food. GO!!! (Note: For those of you comparing the food to actual trips to Mexico, that's just completely unrealistic. This is authentic and delicious Mexican food in Northern Virginia. I lived in San Diego and had amazing Mexican food there too -- OF COURSE! -- but for Falls Church, Taco Bamba fits the bill!!)
(4)Claire J.
Easily the best tacos in the area. If you're looking for sit-down food you might want to go elsewhere as seating is limited, but you'll be making a mistake. Try the Taco Bamba, Arabe, or Octopus if you're trying to treat yourself, but honestly, everything I've eaten here has been amazing.
(5)Claudia G.
I've never been disappointed by Taco Bamba! The tostada on the breakfast menu was simply amazing. And all the Tacos Nuestros are worth a try. Even something as simple as their arroz con frijoles is absolutely delicious. I've heard it is busy during lunch hours, but I've never had to wait in line for dinner or breakfast.
(5)C.M B.
Tried this for lunch today. Yes, it's crowded, I think they need some help with handing out the food, maybe a more efficient system. However, the food was delicious. I had the spicy cameron taco and the el pastor. The shrimp was more savory than the el pastor, the meat on the el pastor was a bit on the dry side, but still flavorful. I want to try other options to see what I think about the meat. But for $6.30 for 2 tacos, you can't beat the price!
(4)James S.
I was really skeptical to try Taco Bamba since I "supposedly" have tried the best, which was El Chilango. However, all this changed in an instant after trying Taco Bamba. They offer a wider selection of tacos and each and everyone is to die for. Personally, I don't discriminate and love each and everyone but my wife swears by the lengua. Taco Bamba has since joined my "go to" places and has become a mandatory stop whenever I have visitors from out of state.
(5)Jennifer O.
Friends of mine make it a weekly event to get lunch here. I always get the Beef Tongue, chicken tinga and black pearl taco....plus a Mexican Coke. Staff is nice, wish they had more seating but its a pick up and eat standing up kind of place, most taco places are. Best in tacos you'll get around here.
(5)Kristy H.
The grilled corn on the cob was absolutely amazing. I would have been happy just to eat that. Great flavor! I ordered the Taco Bamba, which is a mix of Steak, Chorizo, Grilled Avocado. The description mentions that there is also Chicharones in the taco, but there were very few pieces of that. It didn't matter though, the flavor was so good with the pickled veggies and pepper. My friend got the Torta Cubana which looked great too, I will need to go back to check that out. As soon as you get out of your car you smell the aroma. Everything is freshly cooked to order, no scooping your food out of a line like some fast food taco places. Not much room to sit and enjoy though, just a small bar area against 2 different walls, they should add a few outside tables to enjoy. I would recommend calling a few minutes ahead if you are getting take out, it does take some time to get your food ready. It is well worth the wait and the prices are appropriate.
(5)Jonathan C.
Small place so seating is limited. The hot dog bamba, el gringo and the meatball taco were all pretty amazing!
(4)jen h.
Overpriced Americanized tacos
(2)Marco L.
First time eating here, wife and I tried the enchilda and huevos rancheros from new breakfast menu and the food was delicious. Finally a local non-chain taco place that we can target. Place now opens at 6:30am for breakfast and serves breakfast all day!
(5)Ron F.
Don't let the decor fool you. They didn't skimp on the food. Barstools, first come first serve. Wanted to try unusual so i had the beef tongue taco and the standard carne asada. Very good flavors. Chips and guacamole with a little hot sauce hit the spot. Recommend to others who are tired of the tex mex same old same old. I am going back tomorrow for an enchilada plate with a fried egg on top. Nom nom.
(4)Tara K.
Five minutes from my house, but this is the kind of place I'd make a pilgrimage to from across the DMV! Love it, love it. The masa-crusted sweetbreads taco is incredible, as is the Black Pearl. And get the posole if they have it.
(5)Kevin K.
I said it was pricey but I have to say there is genuine value here. The meat is stuffed to the hilt and also the food comes out in a way that is fantastic I can't say enough about the food here. The tacos nuevos is just phenomenal. Chef Victor is there to oversee everything and everything including the desserts are delicious.
(5)Zaimah H.
Loved it. The barbacoa, black pearly and mushroom were awesome!! Definitely good flavors and deliciousness. There isn't much seating- and if you want to enjoy it while it's hot I suggest eating in your car or when the weather is better outside :) either way absolutely yummy.
(5)Kitty L.
Amazing tacos and tortillas!
(4)Sophia B.
Better than going to Taco Bell , small tacos but overall a good breakfast value. I had the carnitas and tacos al pastor which were a little too greasy which might be perfect after a
(3)Yvonne C.
Tasty and cheap, very crowded at lunch time. It was my first visit to this place today, and I went there with a friend because of all the rave reviews. We weren't disappointed, though some items are better than others. First off, I don't see how they justify charging $5 for that tiny portion of guacamole. Yes, it was tasty, with plenty of cilantro, and you get a good portion of chips, but $5 for maybe 3 tablespoons of avocado? The tacos were good, though a bit dry (the meat fillings, that is), which made us wonder if we were supposed to order salsa to go with them, or if everyone slathers them in hot sauce. That's something I'll try to figure out next time.. The taco portions are generous for only $3 each (which is probably why the guacamole is comparatively so expensive.) My absolute favorite today was the pork tamale. It was huge ($3), very hot, it had a tasty filling with a real kick, there was nothing bland or generic about it. We sat in the outdoor area since it was so crowded and noisy inside. While we ate, a young man in a chef's jacket went in, placed his order, then came back outside to wait. We struck up a conversation. His name is Wil Going, from Chef Geoff's restaurants (on his way from one branch to another he stopped in to get flautas---what he considers to be the best thing on the menu, as well as the chicharones). That seems to me like the ultimate recommendation: a chef stops by to eat here on his way to one of his own restaurants. I'll definitely go back so I can sample more items on the menu, but I'll skip the guacamole.
(4)Jessica C.
A solid 4-4.5 stars. The tacos are amazing. I love that they use corn tortillas. I've been turned off by corn tortillas at some places (too thick, breakage, too dominating a corn taste), but they do them right here. Thin, pliable, and fragrant. I've loved almost every taco I've gotten here, with the exception of the chorizo, which was mediocre. The Taco Bamba, Black Pearl, and Spicy Shroom are my favorites. But my favorite thing that I always get is the CORN ON THE COB, ie. elote! Charred corn on the cob, piping hot, smeared with crumbly cheese and some chili powder. So. Good. The only thing I don't like is how they only have a bit of counter seating, and the temperature is always too cold for me in there. But I wouldn't let that deter you.
(4)Sonny H.
Best gourmet tacos/Mexican dishes I've had in DC. Absolutely delicious. Can happily eat here every day.
(5)Francis B.
It's a little on the expensive side for street food. For tacos, it's a bit on the foodie side of things - some of the concoctions are highly, um, gourmet. Other than that, what else can be said about Taco Bamba? These are the best tacos I've ever had, and I know tacos. I've lived in California, scoured gas stations and taco trucks across America and on both coasts, and this is my favorite place to get both authentic Mexican tacos (just meat, cilantro, onions) and highly creative and unusual taco combinations. Mexican food genius Chef Albisu's tripa taco must be eaten - it's succulent flavor is almost too good, in that I'm unusually sad when I've finished the last bite, like some kind of pathetic tripe addict. The service is exceptionally friendly and helpful for what is essentially an upscale fast food place. Go with friends and dive into a bunch of the specialty tacos (especially the fish taco The Black Pearl), and don't forget to get a few lengua and tripa tacos too. The menu changes up with frequent specials, which gives me an excuse to return frequently. I haven't yet ordered the massive Torta Bamba that looks like it could feed eight people, but I'm waiting for the right occasion. The cook mentioned it's a hangover destroyer and the slightly dazed man waiting for his at 1 PM on a Sunday looked like he concurred. It looks tantalizingly delicious, and if it's anything like their tacos, I am quite excited to dig in. I'll knock off a quarter of a star because the salas/sauces in the packs near the front of the restaurant aren't very spicy at all, which surprises me. Kick the chili up a notch or two, Taco Bamba! Otherwise, this restaurant is the absolute tops. Best tacos ever.
(5)J C.
So happy we found this place. The corn tortillas are great. They taste like the ones we'd get in Mexico when I was a child. The al pastor was great, as were the Bamba tacos. I didn't grow up with sopes, but they were quite tasty. A gordita interpretation of the sopes would have probably been fantastic. What brought tears to my eye were the tripas. OMG back in TX, I cooked many a tripa and pride myself in my prep of this delicacy, but I have to say that I would be proud to have made the ones I had tonight from Bamba. I'll be back, and often!
(5)Matt P.
I have been looking for a new taco place since the bakery in Falls Church shut down and this is more than satisfactory. The Al Pastor (pork and pineapple) was my favorite, Lengua was good, and the Carne Asada was decent. The Lengua and Carne Asada needed a lot of sauce, but sauces were flavorful if not spicy. There is not much seating...we showed up at 3pm on a Saturday and had to get takeout. It was also a bit slow, so I would call ahead to order.
(4)Maria P.
Food was good. Selection was great! The service was so slow. We spent almost an hour there-20 mins eating, 30 minutes waiting to eat. If it was a sit down restaurant I would be annoyed by the wait, but since it's pretty much a takeout place, I was beyond annoyed. Again, great food but not worth the wait.
(3)Matthew W.
I work in the area and so I have been looking for a good New Place to eat lunch. I got excited back in the winter when I saw the "Taco Bama, Coming Soon" Sign. I checked from time to time with no signs of life. Then Last week I drove by and...They were open! When you first walk in it is kind of overwelming, there is a big black board with a huge list of taco Meat/Filling options (which brings me to a point). Even though the interior has a Chipotle-ish looking feel the meat options are not! Of course there are the usual suspects, Carne Asada, Carnitas, however if you spend a little more time you will find alot more delectable (special) options, Like the "Lengua" or tongue. Yes, I said cow tongue! If you have not tried it, don't be squeemish it is awesome, you should trying it.
(4)Jill T.
I went on a Saturday at 8:30, and there was no line, but they had run out of chips and guacamole and two of the tacos we wanted to try. I had the chicken taco and the taco Bamba. The chicken were the best chicken tacos I've had in the area. Super flavorful. I don't know if the taco Bamba lived up to being the signature taco, but it was good. As other reviewers have said, it takes a little while to get your tacos (and that was with no line) but they were worth the wait. I'm planning on coming back soon earlier in the day so I can choose from the whole menu.
(4)Tim D.
Always a solid lunch choice. I highly recommend the Arabe taco; I've always enjoyed anything I've ordered from here. Seating is a bit cramped, but it's worth it.
(5)Drea Y.
Love this place! BEST guacamole I've ever had, I've also tried the carne asada, camaron diabla, black pearl, carnitas, chicken flautas, and the breakfast tacos... All were mouth watering-ly delicious. This is my new favorite taco spot!
(4)Marc M.
This place kicks ass. It's really hard finding good tacos in the DC / NoVA area. Taco Bamba delivers.
(5)Peter J.
The food here is amazing. Easily the best tacos in the area. Their namesake "Taco Bamba", "Camaron Diabla" and "Arabe" tacos are incredible. I've had most of their menu and there isn't a single item I wasn't happy with.
(5)Jason S.
Possibly the best tacos in DC! If you have the opportunity, you have to try the spicy shrimp or pork and mango tacos!
(5)Rob M.
The joint has the best tacos in the DMV !! Super cheap, fast and tasty!
(5)Heidi M.
I am hooked! I suggest you hit this place at off-peak times so you can sit down and enjoy your food with a lime soda. The only improvement I can suggest is that it would be ideal to have a beer here as well.
(5)Andrew H.
Good solid semi-authentic taco place! Definitely more authentic than Taco Bell, but not as authentic as El Chilango, but that's ok, the inventive tacos here are delcious. One yelp pro tip: watch out for the salsa squeeze bottles! They have small nozzles and the chunks of tomato can get lodged in the opening. I was attempting to squeeze the sauce out, and I guess I didn't know my own strength but the top came off and the whole thing exploded right into my taco and on me! Luckily it didn't get much on anyone else, but I learned to just use the sauces in the cups out front, instead of those squeeze bottles. Even though I made a fool out of myself, this place still gets four stars because the tacos were that good! A salsa bottle explosion didn't ruin the experience. The workers there were nice enough to replace my taco, and I got to eating finally. I got the Al Pastor, Black Pearl, and Taco Bamba. The Al Pastor was ok, it wasn't like the cut spit-fire roasted pork that i had at El Gordo in Vegas, that will stand as the best Al Pastor I have ever had, and will likely never had anything that good around here. The taco bamba however, was really good with the mix of steak and chorizo. The Black Pearl's fried fish and black slaw was really interesting and different, and ultimately delicious! Will have to come back here and try the el beso. Next time, I know to avoid the salsa squeeze bottles!
(4)Will K.
Very authentic. Very good. I've been craving authentic Mexican* food (think Laredo, TX....not Dallas, TX). This is it. Double corn tortillas filled with awesome flavor that doesn't require you to douse the taco in salsa. I tried the carne asana tacos and the black pearl tacos. Both were very good. The prices are good too. Restaurant is tiny and doesn't have any tables, just has counters along the perimeter to eat at. So don't come here with a large group expecting to dine in. On the plus side, they do play some awesome older rap music. Who doesn't like tacos with a side of DMX?? *yes, authentic Mexican food is probably better found in Mexico. But that would entail getting decapitated. How the heck am I supposed to eat my meal with no head?
(5)E H.
My first time at Taco Bamba and I ordered the Arabe (left), Bamba (middle), and Black Pearl (right). I also ordered El Gringo (not pictured). I wouldn't recommend the tilapia as it was bland but my favorite in order would be 1. El Gringo 2. Bamba 3. Arabe. I was so overly excited I forgot to order the corn. I also need to go back and try the octopus and beef tongue! Love this place and would definitely recommend !!!!
(5)Angie M.
Omg where do I start?!?! Great selection of tacos & sopes!!!! So many different combinations it was hard to choose!!! When we were finally ready Joseline our cashier was more than helpful!! We weren't sure of which meat to choose from & she was nice enough to give us small samples which I thought that was awesome!! It was a delicious tease of what I was about to devour!!! We get barbacoa, carne asada, and the signature taco bamba tacos with coke glass bottles(extra goodness). They had house made hot sauces we tried the green sauce don't remember the name but it was mild & yummy. The taco meat was sooooo yummy & juicy full of flavor!!!! Just thinking about the tacos makes me want them again!!! Its so hard to find a legit taco place that has quality service, great atmosphere & delicious food!!! It's one of those places that you want to go back & try everything cuz it ALL looks so delicious!!! I will most definitely be back this week! Thank you for existing!!!!
(5)Hoon C.
Really some great tacos. The restaurant is pretty hidden as it's tucked away in a small strip mall behind a larger mall. Never even knew this place was there but they haven't been open that long either. The food quality is great. You can see your creation being made as they have an open kitchen. They are very short on seating if you hit the place at a busy hour. They have a variety of tacos with some exotic ingredients too... Cow tongue? Tripe? And some others. My new favorite place for tacos!
(4)Lydia R.
Well, this is one of those situations when the place doesn't live up to the hype. I found the chicken as well as the beef in the tacos to be really cheap and fatty. The tacos had a weird outer layer of thick pita like bread that reminded me of something at a Taco Bell. The prices are great, hence an extra star.
(2)Mike K.
My gold standard for tacos. If the exterior of this unassuming spot in a NoVa strip mall next to a karate studio and a grocery store doesn't draw you in, I hope this review -- and the fine aromas wafting out of this Mexican Valhalla -- can persuade you to take the plunge. This tiny joint is staffed by helpful, happy people who know their stuff. There's a great selection of traditional and modern tacos, interesting sides, sublime sauces and tons of southern sodas. If you're anything like me, you'll want to come back many times, so don't stress about what you're ordering. Just pick things that sound good, wait a few minutes while they cook it right in front of you, and then dig in. They double-wrap the stuff in corn tortillas, which are pliable, durable and delicious in their own right. Too many taco places appear to consider the tortilla itself to be a mere vessel for the goods inside, and that's misguided. The tortilla is an integral part of the meal that is thankfully not ignored at Taco Bamba. Of course, the interior of the taco is pure bliss. Sweet, well-cooked, succulent, tender, juicy meat shrouded by shredded veggies, fresh guacamole, crisp onions and piquant spices. Their sauces, like everything else about this place, are in modest packaging, but once you unleash them upon your food, you're transported into an entirely new dimension not only of what Taco Bamba can be, but also of what your food experience can be. Maybe even what your life can be. We all have our worries, including whether we're spending too much money on what we're getting as our food (that is certainly not the case at this place). But those worries, along with the rest of your worries in your entire life, vanish the moment you bite into a soft, inviting, saucy bit of carne in your luscious taco. Let it roll around your mouth, coating every surface in greasy goodness, and you'll feel different about everything. The first time I went here, the nozzle for the salsa verde was stopped up with said salsa. I squeezed it a bit too hard, foolishly pointing it away from my taco, and it splurted all over the back of the hoodie of the boy sitting next to me. He and his family were turned away from me at the time and none of them noticed. Or maybe they did notice, but they were too taken up with the absolutely wonderful taste of their tacos to make a scene. The possibility of the boy later getting yelled at by his parents for spilling sauce on himself haunted me at the time, months ago, and still does to this day. I'm sorry.
(5)Monica B.
Had the chorizo torta, not what I was expecting but still amazing. Also had a tamal verde with pork, yummy but nothing beats homemade ones from grandma, these were a little too moist. Husband had the al pastor sope and loved it. Overall, so glad we found this place and will definitely go back when I'm feeling homesick.
(4)Alicia M.
Best tacos I've ever had. Authentic, gourmet, fresh. Just hope that its popularity doesn't ruin it.
(5)Eric B.
This place definitely overdelivered. Steak and carnitas were straightforward, and very well prepared. Steak was nicely seared, and still tender. Carnitas was soft and succulent as well, if a bit grease-drenched. They do try to squeeze most of it out, and a lot drips out of the taco, so no problem for me. Tons of flavor. Black pearl taco was very good. Not what I was expecting, but a great fish taco. I was looking for something very fresh and citrusy to compliment the fish, and the ink sauce (I think that's what it was) is not that, but very bold flavor, and still some fresh topping for my balance. Salsas all very good, although for me the hot was not all that hot. Radishes fresh. Topping all fresh. Also, the owner/chef was really on the ball. I walked in thinking I would get a quick order in (not too busy) and after I order, a cop walks out of the bathroom, and a couple walks back in from outside - and both had just ordered before me, and the line was three parties deep to order. The head taco dude threw on gloves, jumped behind the line, sorted all the tickets out, and banged out all the orders in a timely manner. He rocked.
(4)Matt R.
Best dam Tacos in the area. Service was really good. Place is clean. Metallica music makin it mean. Will def be going back!
(5)Christiane V.
a great little spot tucked in a shopping center behind the whole foods right off route 7. they have the traditional tacos as well as specialty ones. i usually always get the regular ones but i enjoy getting different things when i come here. the tripe, taco bamba, and el beso are excellent. i also recommend the corn on the cob with the cotija cheese. messy and gets stuck in your teeth but delish! not good for large groups as there is only counter-top seating. i wish there was a place to sit because everything tastes so good while its still hot. sometimes i have to take it to go.
(4)Rosa G.
These tacos are some of the best tacos someone can have they are just the right size with the correct amount of spice.
(5)Annie K.
**3.5 STARS** Taco Bamba is located in an outdated, run-down shopping center BEHIND the shopping center with Whole Foods, Honeybaked Ham, and Tara Thai. The restaurant has bar style seating with no actual tables for a quick "in and out" dining experience. The traditional tacos are $3 each or 3 for $8. We ordered the enchilada (spiced pork), lengua (beef tongue), and chorizo (Mexican sausage), the El Beso and El Gringo specialty tacos, and guacamole and chips. They also have other sides as well as desserts. You can also take as many sauces are you want! (I love the green sauce on everything!) They also have a great selection of drinks, including authentic Mexican sodas. The lengua and El Beso with pork and beef tongue were OFF THE CHAIN.... I love me a good tongue taco! The other tacos were decent, but nothing too memorable. I didn't like how there were two tortillas because I was getting full quickly but forced myself to finish eating the rest of my food. The chips and guac were standard, so no complaints there. Overall, I had an above average experience here and would only come back for the lengua, and to try the intestine, which I've also heard great things about.
(3)Darren N.
Flavor and quality of meats were good. Options were abundant. Sauces, limes and radishes were prepackaged and readily available. I stuck with the traditional tacos list for my first visit. For $8 I chose three and ordered the carne asada, lengua, and birria (roasted lamb). But I think I was given a carnitas instead of one of my original orders because one definitely looked more like shredded pork. No matter, I gladly ate all three. The flavors were good, and the three tacos were surprisingly filling. I especially appreciate the prepackaged sauces, limes and radishes. A squeeze of lime over my tacos added good acidity. Radishes were cut into smaller pieces than I'm used to seeing which I like because they don't overpower the tacos. I used a mix of the green and orange sauces and enjoyed the combination. Not having to pour the sauces myself is a small detail, but it's really the little things in life that make me happy!
(4)Tom H.
Great breakfast Sobe! Fun to watch the staff cook everything so fast and put your order together. Great breakfast at a decent price.
(5)Colleen C.
LOVE Taco Bamba!! I always get the shrimp and chicken tinga. Their side of guac is also very good. My only complaint is they need to open up more locations or move into a bigger space!! I have to make the trek here on the weekends from Arlington and it is just getting a little much. There are also no real seats to eat at inside the small little hole in the wall. Taco Bamba, we want more!!!
(4)Allison F.
A girlfriend I work with recommended this place saying they were the best tacos in the area. I wish I could have gotten a picture but my boyfriend and I crushed it so fast. We got the taco bamba, gringo, the carne asada sope and corn on the cob. The taco bamba was so good, a little spicy cause of the chorizo and hot peppers, and the carne asada had so much flavor. But the best was the corn, grilled perfectly with cheese and some sauce that had a little bit of spice to it, I wanted to order more but I was way too full.
(5)Kim H.
I've now been here twice and have had a hit or miss experience. First time I went, the Black Pearl (fried fish) was my favorite! So light and fluffy with topped with a huge chunk of avocado ....mmmm! Second time I went it was just ok, too much of a vinegary taste in the slaw and only a tiny sliver of avocado. Also the taco bamba (skirt steak and chorizo) was dry first time around but the second time around it was moist and delicious! We also tried the Torta Bamba which is the size of a small toddler's head! It's a ginormous meat sandwich filled with chorizo, chicken cutlet, steak, hotdogs and ham. It was pretty damn good and we were able to eat it for lunch and dinner. There is limited seating available along the walls. I can't imagine the tacos would be good for take out. The meat gets cold fast and the tortillas don't taste good when they are soggy.
(3)V L.
OoooooMmmmmGgggg DELICIOUS! I had the Camaron (spicy shrimp) & an Al Pastor (pork & pineapple). So flavorful and fresh. No frills kind of place, but so good. Definitely worth a try.
(5)Evan C.
This place is great, exactly what I've been looking for here in dc. An authentic taco place that puts it's focus on meat and sauces rather than drunks and decor. I tried the taco bamba spicy shroom and Carne asada. Surprisingly enough I was most satisfied with the Carne asada. The focus was completely on delicious and perfectly seasoned meat. They make it right in front of you which is awesome and have a selection o f sauces at the pickup window. The hot sauce is good but for everyday taco the Verde sauce is a perfect blend of flavor and spices.
(4)Dan W.
I had been meaning to try this place for quite some time. My friends have been mentioning it to me and explained their great experiences here. I can't believe it took me this long, considering how much I love tacos. On my first experience, it's an odd location, but it works. I walked in for lunch on Saturday and it was not too busy. However within a few minutes the line was out the door. Overall the place is clean and works for a taco spot, but does lack some seating. I ordered the taco bamba, spicy shroom and the carnita taco. All were good and quite tasty, but by far the shroom taco was my favorite. I highly recommend trying this spot out!
(4)John D.
While the tacos were ok, the big problem here was their A/C system that was dripping water all over one of the eating counters and showing signs of mold in the wet vents the water was dripping from. It was def disgusting. There are hardly any places to sit and eat and one of the areas that a lot of people sit at was unusable unless you wanted water from a moldy A./C system dripping into your food. So until they get this problem fixed, either avoid this place or get your food to go.
(2)Natasha G.
Let's see, prices, quality, and variety are pretty good here. It's definitely a nice addition to this area! However, eat the tacos without any of the fixings, and you are in for a bland meal. After you doctor them up, though, the tacos are pretty tasty! So why the three stars? I've experienced a few catering orders with Taco Bamba, and working with the people there was great over the phone and via email. They were timely and responsive. However, upon doing multiple catering orders, certain items were forgotten each time. They made up for it by giving a free tray of something the next go around or a discount, but after the last order, we didn't have the desire to make another order with them. Bottom line: tacos are good here, so try them out! If you want to make a catering order, double check that you get everything you ordered when they first arrive.
(3)Katie S.
Yay for tasty tacos! I ate here last night and I'm still thinking about the La Poutina taco, it's SO good. As soon as I took a bite I regretted the fact that I didn't get this for all 3 of my tacos. The other two I had were the Taco Bamba, which has some heat to it. The Poutina taco was prefect, no room for improvement. The Bamba taco had pretty chewy pieces of steak that made it hard to bite off a piece without taking the whole piece out of the taco. I wish it was cut into smaller pieces so that wasn't an issue, but the flavor was still really good too. Positives: - I loved that the taco shells are doubled up, and the tacos aren't over-filled. Eating tacos is going to be messy regardless, but these were pretty easy to eat/didn't have the filling spill out everywhere. - Fresh ingredients, good amount of each topping in each taco, not a tiny piece of meat and a mountain of lettuce like some other taco joints. - Good flavors, good tacos. - Free sauces available in to-go containers or big bowls to scoop out while there. I didn't use any this time but my husband did and he liked the one he tried. - Purse/coat hooks under the bar top, a must have when there is only stools for seating. - Good selection of fillings and specialty tacos. Negatives: - The music was pretty loud for how small the place was, at times it was hard to hear the other two people I was with. - Part of my husband's order was wrong, he ordered a fish taco and got a beef taco instead, this might have been due to the loud music or they just wrote it down wrong, who knows. He ate it anyway because he'll eat anything, haha. - Not much seating, and the seating that there is has a very tiny tabletop along the wall. - Location; this is a very weird strip mall, and the sign for the plaza itself is set back in the parking area so you can't see it at all from the road. Both myself and the third person I was meeting entered the wrong driveway first and had to turn around. Not a huge deal but just know if you go here you'll probably do the same.
(4)Ross M.
Best Gourmet Tacos in the area! My recommendation is to either go early or go late, this place gets packed! If you are looking for those crappy (but delicious) gorund beef, cheese and lettuce tacos you get at your local Mexican joint, This.Is.Not.What.You.Want. But if you want something fresh, creative and tasty (also fattening, so be careful!) make this a staple in your rotation of lunch and dinner destinations. Highly recommended. I usually get the Taco Bamba, The Octopus and the Carne Asada.
(4)Kevin M.
The food at this place is excellent! The only reason this place didn't get 5 stars, is because it only has about enough seating for 15 or so people. So if you're looking for a dining experience for your family, this would not be the place for you to go. If you are looking for outstanding food and by outstanding I mean really really outstanding, this is definitely your place!
(4)Maria R.
Excellent tacos the birria,tripe,Al pastor,choriso.the day drink they have are natural .I just would like they have the radish,onion,cilantro available at the counter so I can put as much I want in my tacos and that they can have container where I can serve the sauces as much I would like. I wish they have the music not too laud
(2)Coretta O.
The absolute ultimate best place to eat in the area. I have lived in Tysons for a year and literally drive over to eat this food all the time. I have had breakfast and lunch/dinner. Tacos are great, I loved the choriquesa torta but was not a huge fan of the other torta I tried just because it is super heavy, but you will love it if you can get it all in. Torta is def. worth the money. The food here is great and the staff is friendly. It is not a sit down restaurant. Also, if you have any allergies make sure to ask about everything on whatever you order because minor things like mayo, cheese, cilantro, etc are not always in the description.
(5)Paul H.
They were a lot better and quicker on my 2nd trip. The food was, as before, amazing. I tried the taquitos and they were one of the best taquitos I've tried. Great food.
(5)Ritzie C.
How long has this been here? How come I never knew?! Why aren't there more Taco Bambas in the area? How can we make that happen? I get that it's a taqueria, but can we get more seats? How about some tables in addition to sitting at a bar facing the wall? Is there room for expansion? These house made salsas, can I buy them? Why am I full after two tacos? So many questions were running through my mind. Clearly. But to keep this quick - here's what I ordered: Taco Bamba -- Skirt Steak, Chorizo, Grilled Guacamole, Chicharrones Black Pearl -- Fried Tilapia, Spicy Coleslaw, Black Aioli El Beso -- Crispy Pork & Beef Tongue, Charred Scallions, Chili Aioli All were amazingly good but the what impressed me most was just taking a look at the El Beso and seeing it practically overflowing with crispy bits of pork and tongue. I see you, cook, flirting with me! Then I saw the El Beso of the guy next to me with ... ok, well the same exact amount of meat. I guess the cook is flirting with both of us! There are 3 different salsas available to add to your tacos and the green and orange are muy delicioso. I wasn't brave enough to try the super spicy brownish red one. I probably never will be. Oh, and if you want to add some sliced radish to your taco, there are little containers of it for your convenience. Thank you Taco Bamba for the deliciously cheap lunch and I will see YOU again! *points finger gun at cook and winks*
(4)Arun K.
The food is great. Get any of the tacos... They are completely amazing. The chips are not good and the service is average (bored, neither friendly nor unfriendly). Eat the tacos.
(4)Mike M.
OK tacos but just priced too high. Some of their special tacos just have too much on them and aren't that good IMO. The line is always long and it seems like everyone is there from yelp. I'm ok with the shady hole in the wall place with no seating. Just not OK with the high price point, long wait and average tasting tacos.
(2)Willis P.
If you're looking for out of the ordinary tacos, this is the place to go. It's in a shady plaza behind a very NICE one. However, I think a majority of the cars in the lot are there specifically for Taco Bamba. My favorite taco there is the 'Tripa Taco'. It's crunchy, slightly salted, and tastes kinda like bacon. Add a corn to two of those bad boys and you'll leave happy and enriched with sodium.
(5)James L.
Great taco place with somewhat authentic Mexican small eats. Taco Bamba is a small joint recommended by friends which turned out to be one of the best taco places I've been to on the East Coast. The menus are simple, you get your normal tacos and there's also a specialty taco section which i believe is a dollar more. For the taco itself you can choose between regular corn or flour depending on your preference. And of course there's the non-taco/side/beverage part. Taco bamba is a no-brainer to start off your quest down the menu, but El beso is for sure the best taco creation ever! It consists of crispy pork and beef tongue, topped with scallions and chili aioli, as long as they make it consistently it is awesome! (Second time i ordered it was way too salty) On the regular taco side, try the pork intestine one if you dare, it's crispy and flavorful. For the sides, definitely try out the corn on a cob and horchata if they have it. Overall, this is a standup eatery with self service and very limited seating. If you're looking for a full service Mexican restaurant you should look elsewhere.
(4)Nicole D.
So. Many. Tacos. Breakfast enchiladas with house made salsas made my morning. So did the chorizo taco tradicionales. And the spicy goat. Because who doesn't love goat for breakfast. I'm not sure anything here is going to suck. What does suck is that I live too far away from Taco Bambo to eat here every week. New excuse to burn fossil fuels? Yep.
(5)Alice W.
I was pleasantly surprised after coming here to learn that this is Victor Albisu's restaurant. I had seen him and Bryan Voltaggio compete at the 2012 Citi Tennis Tournament cook-off, but I had no idea he had a taco place in Arlington. Tacos here are pretty decent but not the best in the area. Both La Mexicana Bakery and Tacos El Costalilla make tacos that are so much better than the tacos here. I ordered three tacos here - enchiladas, carne asada, and carnitas. They were all fine although the carne asada was a bit dry for my taste. I had to pour a lot of hot sauce to season it more to my liking, which I hardly ever have to do with tacos at La Mexicana and Tacos El Costalilla. So, verdict is: good but not phenomenal. If you're not willing to make the trip to La Mexicana or Tacos El Costalilla, Taco Bamba will make do.
(3)Cathy N.
Want to add a new favorite: fish tacos (Yum!! GREAT bite size, not messy if you're in a hurry and having one of those day where you have to eat and drive) and the corn on a cob (buttery mayo taste covered with cheese and some chili spices for a kick) !
(5)Eric L.
Great food, tucked away in a little corner. I got the corn, and for me it was actually inedible with how salty it was. Not sure if that was a one time thing, or if I'm just not accustomed to it, but definitely be aware. All the tacos and salsas are good. I had the Carne Asada, Chorizo, Carnitas, El Pastor, Barbacoa, Taco Bamba, and Spicy Shroom. I would recommend trying them all and see which ones are your favorites.
(4)Deanna M.
Amazing. The music is pretty loud, so I usually get food to-go, but these are the best tacos that I've had. The grilled guac is worth getting as a side.
(5)Cassie C.
This place is phenomenal! We go a few times a month to get our fix. Can't say enough good things! Arabe all the way!
(5)Jirapa S.
My husband and I wanted to grab a lunch on Friday, we were in the area and with Yelp recommendations, we decided to try Taco Bamba. GREAT choice, thanks Yelp. It was amazing. We got Tinga, Taco Bamba, Black Pearl, and Camaron a la Diabla. Loved everything! One bad thing was that I should have ordered more than I did. I wanted more.
(5)Russell C.
OK, what can I say that hasn't already been said? Amazing! Awesome! The best east of SOCAL! The beef and chicken was cooked to perfection. It melted in my mouth. My biggest fear is they will go mainstream and lose its cool no frills kickass Mexican food identify. Stay cool Taco Bamba!
(5)Daniela M.
We found ourselves aimlessly looking for a place to eat around Tyson's Corner mall. We wanted something delicious, fast and not overly expensive. I pulled my phone and left it up to Yelp to find me the best option in the area--you know what I got? Taco Bamba, how is it possible that I went on with my Latin life without knowing about this place?! Taco Bamba is all about their FOOD, it's not about service or swanky décor. Hey, I'm ok with that and boy did they deliver. I got the lengua, carne asada and the shrimp tacos; it was glorious, extremely flavorful and fresh. I can't wait till I come back for more.
(4)Audrey Z.
Had my first visit to this joint today. SUPER GOOD! The meat was VERY tasty! Other ingredients were very fresh too! I had a chicken and a beef taco and really enjoyed both of them. Decided to get a BIG bag of takeout for my kids and their friends. All four boys agreed that it's a lot more tasty than their usual hangout place Chipotle. Will absolutely go back! The cooks were also very nice and friendly! Everyone at the place made the visit a wonderful experience! Thanks!
(5)Mike C.
Yep, I've finally found my taco joint! Probably some of the best tacos I've had, even with having grown up in Texas. Upon my first visit, and ordering carry out, I had the Black Pearl, Taco Bamba and the Spicy Goat. All three were great but the Spicy Goat and Black Pearl took the cake. I was pleasantly surprised that the fried batter of the fish remained crispy after my 10 minute drive home. I cannot wait to try more, including their non-tacos!
(5)J H.
Delicious flautas! So much so I went back and ordered a second order. The tacos were good too (we got Taco Bamba, Spicy Shroom, and another one I can't remember). There's a lot of flavors in all the ingredients, presentation is mouthwatering and I enjoyed every bite. But I will order the flautas over the tacos any day!!
(4)Marianne K.
Are the tacos expensive? Yes. Do I keep going back? Yes. Tinga, lengua, al pastor ... and of the specialty tacos I have had the taco bamba (hurray for fresh chicharrones!) the beso and the black pearl. All the tacos are seriously good. The tortas are even more yummy, and better value for money because they are huge. Taco bamba also has red pozole, which I don't see that often in NOVA. Was it all down with a jamaica to drink! My husband and I were married in Oaxaca city and have a special love for Mexican food. This place is legit. And I'm willing to pay a few extra dollars for it.
(4)Kris G.
I read about tack bamba in Arlington magazine and thought it sounded like a good place to go since I love tacos. It's a little restaurant that looks a little scary on the outside at night but the inside smells amazing and has cute barstool seating. We got a couple of tacos but our favorites were the chicken tinga and Arabe. Can't wait to go back and try more!!!
(5)C R.
Amazing! I tried a whole bunch of different tacos there on a few occassions and most of them were awesome. However, the most amazing one of all was the Black Pearl. Fried tilapia. Unbelievably good. Most of the other ones were tasty as well, but the Black Pearl stood out. Al Pastor was great and unique with the pineapple. Can't go wrong with the Taco Bamba either. A fountain drink, which is not posted on the menu, for $2, but you can get refills. It's about hte size of a typical Solo cup.
(5)Jennifer M.
Apparently $8 for 3 of the regular tacos (make sure to ask because that is what they charged my friend but not me....). But I think for the Tysons/DC area, the price is just right. Tacos are served on double corn tortillas. I had to tear some of it off to re-proportion it. I ate 3 tacos this way and could have probably eaten more. Guys (and hungry gals) should probably order more food. - Tripa - This is fried beef intestine, NOT true tripe (aka stomach). I think this is just a translation thing. THIS WAS FRIGGIN' DELICIOUS. - Spicy Shrimp - Small, not crisp (aka mushy), and out-of-balance. The focus shifts more to the rice than to the shrimp. - Stewed chicken - White meat, flavorful, but not outstanding. Needs some chiles or something. - Grilled corn-on-the-cob was super cheesy... but addicting. I advise you share this. There are sauce bottles along the eatery bars. And you will probably need sauce on the tacos as they're pretty light on chilis, sauces, or veggies. The orange is spicy and a little tart. The green one was tart. The dark red didn't have much flavor to it. I think it was supposed to be slightly smoky? The red one actually exploded all over my friend upon squirt attempt #2. I may or may not have been the offending perpetrator....
(4)Chieu L.
They're pretty decent. Very authentic. Restaurant is very modern and clean. I just wished that it was more family friendly. No seats/tables. All bar and bar stool and standing room. Not very family friendly (infant/toddlers). Tacos are amazing! Love them! Each one is unique and flavorful. I think out of 3 people we tried everything on their menu! Love the drinks too! Try to get some tables/high chairs/boosters...maybe we'd come more often.
(4)Stayce J.
First timer here! Two things that I need to make my food experience perfect and enjoyable. Food and customer service. I got birria tacos and a carne asada sope my sister got different ones we both loved them! The sope, was okay. The only problem that really upset me is, that I like to have my sauce on the side. To pour it on my tacos wherever I want, I don't want to be getting up every time I take a bite to get sauce. Anyways! I went to ask the cashier for a small container for the sauce and she replied with an attitude saying that's why they have the sauce there for the tacos & kept looking at me annoyed. Gurllllll I just wanted a cup for my sauce!! I wasn't asking you to feed me! &music was a bit too loud but the TACOS were delicious If the owner is reading this, can you just have small containers next to the sauce ? I'm sure I'm not the only person that likes sauce on the side! THANK YOU!!
(3)Steve L.
As a recent CA transplant, I've been trying to find good Mexican food. Taco Bamba might help fill that hole in my life. I've only had the cubana but it was awesome. Tons of carnitas between two slices of ham served in a huge bun. Throw in some cheese, lettuce, mayo, and tomatoes and you have an awesome sandwich. The sandwich is huge and will definitely fill you up. The saltiness of the ham plays well off the carnitas and the crunch of the lettuce. Unfortunately, Taco Bamba does not offer California prices as the Cubana was $12 whereas a similar sandwich in the golden state would probably only run $6 to $9. But I will definitely be returning.
(5)Marc J.
Been going to Taco Bamba for two years or so, but stepped back from it for awhile, and recently started to go back. It was like going back to see an old friend. I would tell people that if they are going to TB expecting to get Chipotle, they will be sadly disappointed. Nothing wrong with Chipotle or Tex-Mex style tacos, but TB serves authentic tacos. Recently I tried the cabeza taco (Beef cheek). The beef was so tender...the most tender beef I ever had. The camaron taco was great...the shrimp was spicy, but not overwhelming...full of flavor. The chorizo taco is good, and the Taco Bamba is my favorite taco there. Recently tried the chicharrones, and they are great. Taco Bamba is good eats. Never fails.
(4)Alex F.
I love this place. The pozole is incredible. I've been here many times. I don't go to the area often but when I do, I make it a point to to be hungry so I can dine there. I've had most of the tacos. They're all awesome. And the elote(grilled corn) is the best I've had. It's nicely charred and coated with spices and cheese that actually stays on the corn as you eat it(no utensils required). On my last visit, chef Ricky was very nice and accommodating(despite the fact that it was almost closing time). He made excellent recommendations. He also told me that he'd be cooking at del campo soon (sister restaurant steakhouse in dc) . I will be sure to visit them too. I give this place a strong 4.5 stars. My only wish for this place is that they'd serve beer too at least.
(5)Jose S.
I came here because I heard it was good. I thought it was all hype, but the Torta I ordered proved me wrong and shut me up. This place is now my go to for anytime. I only order the Tortas but I will probably have some other menu items soon. I love the feel and the vibe from the place. It's a lot like a taco truck straight out of California. I did have the chance to try a bite of a friends taco, and it sold me on the place 100%. The meat is all so good, and it all tastes home made. Do yourself a favor and have a taco here.
(5)Sylvie S.
Taco Bamba just opened in the Pimmit Hills area in the strip mall BEHIND Tara Thai/Whole Foods. After viewing the menu online, I was pretty excited when I saw things like bone marrow, pork belly, and chicharrones and had to check them out esp. since I've been eyeballing Del Campo (same chef). I felt good about it as I pulled up to the strip mall area. A predominantly hispanic area, it gives the right feel for a decent taco. Unfortunately, not the case. I also realized that the menu that had lured me in that was posted online, was not the same menu being served. The specialty tacos that I was eyeballing online (bone marrow, pork belly, chicharrones, etc) were no where to be found. When I mentioned this to the guy behind the counter, he said that the menu online was made up some time earlier, and it was over ambitious, so they had scaled back....I just wish the REAL menu was posted online.... I decided to try one traditional taco and one specialty taco. I got my go-to al pastor and the Taco Bamba which was steak and chorizo. It was so very mediocre. I felt the meat was dry and under-seasoned which just killed it for me. I'd suggest using the spicy salsa to improve that, which btw, was very mild. Sorry Taco Bamba, we weren't a match, I just wish you had more of what was listed online!!
(2)Bernard D.
Best tacos I've had in all of Falls Church and Arlington. Trust me, I go out of my way to try them all.
(5)Jake C.
This review is easy -- these are simply the best tacos in the DC area. I haven't enjoyed tacos like this since my California days. Nice work Taco Bamba. Keep wrapping up goodness. A touch pricey but I'm happy to pay.
(5)Sebastian O.
Just freaking awesome!!
(5)Mike R.
Have to say, I was excited to try this place. Saw the rave reviews. Was all amped up....... anddddd was LET DOWN. We went there recently and tried several tacos from their menu. 1. Taco Bambo 2. Black Pearl 3. Carnita 4. Beef Barbacoa All of them were smaller and less impressive than expected. The Carnita and Barbacoa both were presented as just a solid lump of meat mixture in the center of the taco. Strange, so we had to pull it apart ourselves so it would fit in the taco properly. Let's get messy. I can put less than adequate presentation aside if the taco was awesome... but they were both dry and pretty boring. They lacked toppings.. each bite was the same. Just dry overdone meat. I'm pretty sure I could throw some meat and spices in a slow cooker for just shy of a week and achieve the same taste and texture. The Black Pearl was the best out of the bunch. Although again, they put this ridiculously small piece of fish in the center of the taco. If I left it as is... this 4 bite taco would only have any fish in it on bites 2 and 3 (middle of taco). So... once again, I performed surgery on my taco and tried to spread the fish out in the taco so it would have a little bit of fish in each bite. The fish itself tasted good... but for $4, I still felt it was overpriced. The piece of fish was seriously very small... like an oversized fish stick. The Taco Bambo was forgettable... because frankly, I don't really remember it. I remember taking a bite and going. meh, its okay. It looked prettier than the other two basic $3 tacos, because it had some toppings, but it didn't blow me away or anything. $4 bucks is still pretty steep for a single taco. All things considered, I would rather go to any one of the dozen authentic Latin American hole-in-the-wall spots out here in the Sterling/Herndon area before I ventured to Taco Bamba again. They are generally a buck or so cheaper per taco, taste at least as good, usually generous with the avocado, and I don't have to fiddle with the ingredients before diving in. Final note... they wanted $5 for a side of guacamole. Holy Guacamoley! Sorry Bamba, just wasn't doing it for me... but at least it looks like most people are happy, so keep on doing your thing man!
(2)V H.
I just returned from taco heaven..yes! This tiny hole in the wall taqueria will reset the bar for what a great taco can be. East meets west, finally. It is a self order, hopefully in a short line, wall menu...but, if all is new or just a little confusing just be assured you can not go wrong here as everything is so delicious. Crispy flautas (3/$....ck), taco al pastor are but two of my favs. Yes, give the tomale ($4.00) handmade, a try as well as the black beans sprinkled with tomato & white cheese....you will be glad. Stools line the wall counter for a narrow eating area that also is home to 3 different salsas-green mild, hot & hotter--all so refreshingly different. Helpful service always with a smile, this house gives good vibes.
(5)Quyen D.
Best tacos I've ever had. Also made them in the time it takes McDonalds to churn out a burger. Great service, friendly people, fun atmosphere. What else do you need? Perfect for after school gatherings with friends.
(5)Tamika B.
Been here about 2 times already and can you say AMAZING!!!! No need to go into DETAIL; this is a must try but I will mention the CORN ON THE COBB. AINT NOTHING LIKE IT!!!!
(5)Rossy V.
Great flavors and style!!! I little pricey for what it is but still tasty!
(4)Ruben G.
Spent about 60 bucks here trying a lot of things. there is basically no seating here, the menus are at an awkward angle to order from. For the price the taco fillings are a bit underwhelming. The massive sandwich they make to me was inedible, but perhaps I aimed to high on that one. a word of caution, although its not on the menu they slather it with mayo. I didn't find any portion of the different types of meat in there that really tasted amazing. Parking was awful in the evening, you have to drive in and basically wait for a spot, and then you go into the place and wait for another spot. There are a ton of mexican type options in the area, this one is just popular at the moment. make of that what you will.
(2)Oscar S.
So..I love tacos and having lived in Mexico when I was younger, I'm always on the hunt for the most authentic Mexican food! Having said that, this place is very legit! I wanted to try it before and never got around to it. What drew my attention was that they make corn on the cob as close as you can get it in the area, mexican style! That by far is my favorite food! So when my friend told me that his friend is the GM there, well, we had to try it, duh! The tacos are very delish!! I tried the carne asada, pulled meat, and tripa. The tripa was very surprisingly good, as I'm not a huge fan of it. But it was very very good, not what you'd expect! I'm definitely going back..sooner than later, hehe. One note to make: I don't know why, but all my life I've hated onions, lol. I love the flavor that onions give food, but somehow the texture makes me..well, not really a fan. Luckily my friend got his tacos first and I noticed that they automatically put onions on them. I was able to let them know to hold the onions of mine. But that's it, if you're a fan of onions even better for you. Just my preference, hehe.
(4)Amber F.
This is becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the area. I live really close by and stop in for breakfast or dinner once a week. My favorites are the Black Pearl Tacos with the black aioli, Chilaquiles for breakfast, and the Bamba Dog. I recommend their home-made sauce on everything. Mild, Medium, and Hot are all very flavorful and complement pretty much everything on the menu. I'd give it 5 stars, but there is always a wait for your food even if you're the only one there. They do make your meal fresh when you order so some wait is expected, but to me it just seems too long.
(4)Amy M.
Loved it. I ordered the Black Pearl (beer battered tilapia with black aioli and slaw), the Al Pastor (pork & pineapple), and the taco of the day - braised short rib, butternut squash, candied habanero, chicarron, and other goodness. Went for breakfast one day before a road trip, and it turned out to be a not so great experience (no lids for their to-go coffee, no heater on a freezing day) All in all, I do really enjoy this place. Love the tacos. I don't know if I'd go out of my way for them, like I would for District Taco, but it's good stuff if you're willing to overlook the imperfections.
(3)Gregg W.
The food here is awesome! HOWEVER......the wait is way way way toooooo long! Went there yesterday for lunch. There were over 30 tickets in front of us waiting for food. We waited over 40 minutes to get our food. The speed needs to be addressed before I would consider going back.
(1)Lia M.
I'm grappling with the star level. Delicious food; awful customer service. If the website was correct and staff was friendly, this would totally be a 5 star review. But for me to drive out there and they not to be open (website still incorrect) and not even an apology from the staff on hand (door was open so I walked in), I cannot give any more than two stars. So note: two stars based on experience, not food quality. But the tacos are great (I visited twice - they were actually open the second time. I was shocked). Yes, they are a bit more expensive than some other places, but with good reason: they are piled high with tasty meat (I had carnitas and barbacoa). As much as I like some local taco shops, you don't get as much meat in the $2 taco as you do with these. The guac and salsas were great, as well. Though I most likely will not be returning, I do occasionally crave those tacos.
(2)Matt B.
By far the best tacos/sopas that I have ever eaten and the Cuban torta was amazing. The girls at the register were very helpful while I was having a difficult time figuring out what I wanted. I will be back soon. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!
(5)Jennifer C.
Definitely legit and authentic; wanted to try the tongue and trip taco, but they were out unfortunately. Got the Black Pearl instead, which is their fish taco--it's a great choice, the fish was tender and the flavor is great. It's also not very greasy even though it's fried in a beer batter. They do also have other options like soup and corn on the cob; however, there's a reason it's called "Taco Bamba" and not "Tamale Bamba", because the tamales are only okay. Stick to their many taco choices instead.
(4)Amanda D.
Went for the first time tonight and Taco Bamba did not disappoint! The flautas were to die for, definitely going back for those. Carne asada and carnitas were also excellent. The place was packed but the service was great! Our new neighborhood favorite!
(5)Paul C.
I love this place. It's now my Sunday morning ritual.
(5)Michelle Q.
Meh. I really wanted to like this place. There were definite bright spots (I'm looking at you, limonada agua fresca and the grilled, cotija cheese corn on the cob...). But when the bright spots aren't the tacos, and your restaurant name features them, it's not so good (although, who am kidding? Taco Bell doesn't really prove the rule, either). It's not to say the tacos are bad. They are fine. They just didn't rock my world like some other establishments. I got the Taco Bamba (steak, chorizo, chicharrones) and their fish taco (Black Pearl). They were both tasty, but I liked the Black Pearl better. My dining companion got the barbacoa, the carnitas, and the chorizo. No complaints on the first two, but skip the chorizo. Guac was good, and there were plenty of tasty condiments to gussy up your tacos. Service was slightly slow for a Saturday at 2, but that could be that it seemed like all the assemblers were being trained. The manager was having to remind them what went on what. Still hungry after eating there; had to walk around the corner to the Whole Foods for a chocolate croissant, which was the best part of the meal.
(3)Amanda H.
This place is legit. I used to live in Texas and I take my tacos VERY seriously. I was not disappointed by Taco Bamba. They have a menu of traditional tacos and a menu of "new tacos". But don't think the new tacos are some kind of trendy fusion deal. They are simply updated versions of the classics, and well worth your time. I ordered the Taco Bambo, Black Pearl, El Pastor, and El Beso. All were excellent! I was especially impressed by the El Beso-- crispy pork and beef tongue. If you're freaked out by the thought of eating beef tongue, I totally get it. But it is so worth it, so live on the edge and give it a try :) How does this place compare to R&R? Excellent question. Taco Bamba has a much more hipster feel (not surprising considering R&R is in a gas station; but the gas station kind of makes it special). R&R has more classic options than Taco Bamba, like huaraches and tamales. It also has a much more authentic style. That said, Taco Bama also has a number of great authentic options. I never thought I would say this, but on the taco front, I think the two are pretty comparable!
(5)Lauren R.
Not typically a 5 star kind of reviewer but this spot totally earned it! Hidden in a random spot but worth hunting it down...this is legit, real deal, quality Mexican food...amazing!
(5)Ashley S.
This place is great. Off the main road, which is a huge plus because it keeps it slightly undiscovered. The taco choices are numerous - I got a bamba, carne asada and al pastor and loved them all. I have to say, pick up as many containers of the salsas as you can... The green was my favorite. Everything was fresh and tasty and perfect to get and bring back to the office. The cashier was friendly and helpful. Definitely plan on visiting this place again soon! Bring on summer. :)
(4)Sarah G.
After seeing this place pop up all over Washington's magazine space, I decided to try out this taco joint conspicuously hidden behind a Subway. Being the food monster that I am, I tried four tacos: Tripa, Nopales, Carne Asada and El Beso. The first three were only $8 together while El Beso was $4 alone. TRIPA: Yum yum yum, who knew intestines were so good? These salty, friend cow bits tasted great inside a taco - but could have used some gauc or queso fresco on top. NOPALES: Perfect for vegetarians, this creation is one-of-a-kind. The sweet cactus balanced well with the creamed corn, making up for any messiness. CARNE ASADA: My favorite of the bunch. Meat quality of the carne asada was out of this world, with cilantro that tasted fresh off the plant. EL BESO: Meh, this was not my favorite. The pork was overly spicy and the tongue was a little tougher than most. Final tip? Ask for salsa. We didn't get any when our tacos were handed to us. Guess I'll have to go back!
(4)Julia P.
It is really good! The food looks/tastes fresh, the restaurant looks cool, the food came out really fast. I recommend it if you are looking for a fun experience and a quick meal.
(4)Mr. Pleco S.
Faster turn around on getting the food. Grub is excellent every time I go there.
(5)Nick H.
OMG. There aren't enough descriptive adjectives in the English language to accurately portray how much I enjoy eating at Taco Bamba. If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. The food here is cheap, relatively fast, and probably the most delicious tacos I've ever eaten in my life. I even liked it more than District Taco. The menu is humongous and features pretty much every cut of pork or beef you could possible want. Beef tongue, tripe, sweet breads, blood sausage, pork belly, etc. are just some of the exotic (but extremely delicious) proteins you can get here. I've been to taco bamba a few times now and tried everything from the Al Pastor to the El Beca, to the previously mentioned offal. I've even tried the Spicy Shroom (which doesn't contain any meats at all) and that one was possibly the tastiest of the bunch. Thank goodness I work in the Tyson's area because now I have a convenient reason to eat at TB at least once a week. How good is this place really, you might be asking yourself? I ate here TWICE yesterday. My personal fave is the Sweet Breads taco, as well as the Tripas taco. If you like heat on your food, make sure you ask for the habanero sauce..but use it sparingly on your tacos. Yo Quiero Taco Bamba.
(5)Mari A.
#57 4.5 stars Moving from San Diego, CA where it was hard NOT to find good mexican food within 5 minutes from you, it was hard moving here and not being able to enjoy that same luxury. If you're looking for a fancy schmancy place, this would not be the establishment to go to. If you're looking for some decent mexican food in an area where good mexican food is lacking, I would most definitely go here. Though it doesn't compare to the chicken rolled tacos and the carne asada burrito my heart longs for upon moving here, the following tacos that my friend and I ordered ranked pretty high on my list: - Al Pastor: pineapple and pork- flavorful and delicious; loved the combo - La Beso: a little bit of everything from beef to pork to beef tongue - La Bamba: skirt steak, grilled avo- probably one of my favorites, the steak was grilled perfectly and you can never go wrong with avocado - Spicy Shroom: probably my least favorite of the bunch but if you're looking for a non meat taco this was still pretty appetizing. - Fried Tilapia Taco- L-O-V-E-D! Completely!! 5 minutes from work; 5 minutes to receive order; as delicious as it is probably took me 5 minutes to scarf down... YOU WILL FIND ME HERE AGAIN!! :)
(4)Sean T.
Extremely flavorful tacos. Prefer the classic ones to the experimental, fusion ones -- lengua (beef tongue) is my favorite. Some of the tacos, such as the steak, are greasy. Seating availability is limited, and the music is way too loud. If the weather is nice and you can grab one of the seats outside of the place, that's a good option, however.
(4)Russell P.
Best tacos I've ever had! I don't like waiting 45+ minutes for things....But I will always wait for Taco Bambas! Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
(5)Liza X.
What a cute little taco place! When arriving I was a little skeptical because the location is slightly hidden and the surrounding stores are little mom and pop stores. The restaurant is very fun with bar tops and stools. The menu is written on chalk boards. They offer specials or choose your own meat as well as sides. The music is old school Spanish songs, which goes along with the ambiance perfectly. I tried three meats: La langua (beef tongue-if you have never tried..it's not like a piece of tongue at all. Its a lean slightly chewy meat-a must try! you won't be sorry) Carne asada (steak-loved it!) Los camarones picante (spicy shrimp-small little shrimp covered with a red sauce-was not the best) All three tacos were served on a corn tortilla and i made sure to load up on sauces. There are three kinds a red, green, and yellow. Can't have tacos without some chillis :) I also ordered a drink called horchata made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, or tigernuts-tastes milky with small chunks in it. My friend got the Jamaica (pronounced HA-MY-CA) which is made with hibiscus flowers and lime. I love this juice because it's not too sweet like the horchata. Over all great experience. Do try!!!
(4)Chris C.
Taco Bamba is led by Chef Victor Albisu, whose offering up his Mexican taco creations in Falls Church, Va. I had the urge to eat there after a long day at King's Dominion and I was ready to devour some tacos. Each regular taco is $3, but you can get 3 for $8 which I get every time. They do offer specialty tacos at $4+. The Menu is quite extensive with tacos featuring: Carne Asado - Grilled Beef Barbacoa - Shredded Beef Carnitas - Shredded Pork Confit Cecina - Seared Beef Chorizo - Mexican Sausage Enchilada - Spiced Pork Lengua - Beef Tongue Al Pastor - Pork and Pineapple Tripa - Beef Small Intestine Ting a- Stewed chicken The tacos itself were surprisingly flavorful. I decided to order the lengua, carnitas and cecina. Each taco had heaping amounts of meat and by the end of the 3rd taco, I was surprisingly full. Along with the chips and guacamole appetizer, I knew I couldn't fit another taco in my stomach. There's also a sauce bar featuring a multitude of different sauces and salsas available. I prefer what I call the "green crack sauce". It's a spicy blend of jalapenos, peppers, cilantro and lime. Trust me, after you've had it, you'll understand why I call it what it is. The service is quick and there's barstool seating. There's no tables, but just enough seating for 15 customers. It's slowing becoming a popular place among the locals for takeout or a quick meal. Overall, Taco Bamba has fulfilled my 3 main taco criteria: 1. The tortillas cannot break when eating 2. Must be enough meat on each taco 3. Affordable -- Check out my other reviews at nextstopdc.blogspot.com
(4)Ara A.
Love this place. Went for my first time a month ago based on a recommendation and I was not disappointed. The food (torta) was out of this world and had more types of meat that I knew existed hahha.
(5)Tae K.
Let me first say, I love Chipotle and it's been my favorite mexican food. My wife, who grew up from the heart of LA, insisted that chipotle is not a real mexican food. I begged to differ. But I've had my first real mexican tacos when I went to LA. These authentic tacos are definitely different from what ive had before. Don't get me wrong, I still love chipotle but now I know the difference between tex mex and real mexican food. There aren't too many real mexican tacos places in this area and Taco Bamba definitely serves up real authentic tacos similar to what ive tasted in LA. It's right up there with El Taurino and King Tacos. Even my wife, self-proclaimed mexican taco connoisseur, approves this east coast taco joint and that's saying a lot. My personal favorites are al pastor, barbacoa and tripe. If you are skittish about trying something outaide your comfort zone, don't worry, tripe comes out fried so it's nice and crispy. It's like bacon, so good! Also try the breakfast items. Enchiladas was delicious and filling. Fried egg?? Yes please!
(5)Victoria L.
This place is right off 66 in Falls Church in a small shopping center filled with international markets and eats. It's a relatively small place and not that many seats to sit at so I would suggest a carry out. The prices are very decent and not over the top for some tacos. The menu features many different types of meat for the tacos like tripe, shrimp and tounge and other items like the huge bamba burger and flautas. The first time I went, I got the carne asada taco, el gringo taco and the pork tamale. The carne asada was seasoned to perfection with your traditional toppings. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the double tortilla so I usually use one so I can taste the food and just not tortilla. El Gringo taco had ground beef, shredded lettuce, bacon, ranch and american cheese - anything with bacon is good to me. Sadly, I would have loved to have the dulce de luche arroz con leche but they ran out! I was so sad! The customer service was great (maybe because we went late so not too many people were there), but we were undecisive of what to get and they helped me get one of everything. Can't wait to go back and try some more!
(4)Allie S.
This place is dope as hell. Everything is good, they are usually always super busy but do an awesome job hustling, love 'em.
(5)Ernie A.
Delicious. I had 3 tacos: a T.N.T., an El Beso and an apparently brand new seasonal taco made with delicious soft-shell crab. Everything, including the horchata I ordered for my beverage was delicious, but my favorite was the crab taco. I also got some chips and the grilled guacamole. Everything was fantastic. I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Whitney F.
After visiting Chef Albisu's DC restaurant, Del Campo (a must if in DC!) we had to try his more casual Taco Bamba. We got there about 2 pm on Saturday and the place was packed. That was a good sign right off the bat. I imagine during peak hours the parking lot and restaurant will have waits. We each ordered tacos, beans, and rice. Everything had excellent flavor. Tortillas had the right amount of crispness to them yet soft enough to fold. They didn't come with loads of toppings either. It was just the right mix for the meat selected. We sampled all of the sauces. Each was wonderful in its own right. I may have been disappointed if I only tried the green avocado sauce. If looking for high quality gourmet tacos at a fair price, Taco Bamba is the place.
(4)Albert L.
Was excited to try out Albisu's newest project, Taco Bamba, so I swung by on their second day open in mid-afternoon. Safe to say, this is the real deal for tacos in the Falls Church/Tysons area! Situated in the corner of a hidden plaza off of Pimmit, Taco Bamba is a no-nonsense taco shop. There's several counter seats for customers, but it's mainly a carry-out operation. Inside decor is relatively spartan, with a large "Taco Bamba" graphic on one wall, a large menu adorning the other. The kitchen is right in front of you as you walk in, so it's nice to see the ingredients as orders are being prepped. The menu consists of 15-20 taco offerings plus some non-taco stuff as well (like a burger and sopes), but you're really here for the tacos. Also, the menu on the website is only a sample menu at the moment, so the actual available items can only be found on the actual menu inside the shop. Each traditional taco is $3 (or 3 traditionals for $8), and they have some specialty tacos for $4+. I ordered 4 in total: El Beso (lengua, pork, scallion, chili aioli), Lengua, Suadera, and Al Pastor. Every single one was awesome. The meats were tender and not dried out, there was plenty of spice and seasoning in all the meats, the portions were generous, the accompanying chili sauces were awesome, and the corn tortillas had just enough bite. The El Beso and Al Pastor stood out the most with their unique flavors. I'd recommend 3-4 tacos as a filling meal, and the ravenous could go for 5 or 6. There are also bottles of Mexican sodas for purchase, so if you want a full-on feast, be sure to grab one of those as well. Overall, I'm excited about the offerings Taco Bamba is bringing to the area, and I can't wait to go back for more!
(4)Abdiel F.
Expertly crafted tacos, made to order and always fresh. I especially love their taco bamba and also the camaron. I have yet to try the weirder stuff like beef tongue, but I'll get around to it one of these days.
(5)BenjamÃn S.
Top-notch tacos with quality ingredients and made with care. Tried 5 different tacos - the signature "tacos nuestros" are the better of the bunch. The tacos tradicionales are pretty great too, though perhaps a little dry- easily remedied with some of the awesome hot sauces. The food was impressive enough that I'll be back both for the tacos and to sample the non-taco items. I don't want to blather on about the food- it's really outstanding!- and definitely worth a trip out of the way to try. The only thing that will keep me from eating here all the time is the location, which is pretty inconvenient. I'd suggest the food be eaten fresh off line, but if you're doing takeaway and you're ordering tacos with distinct flavor profiles, ask for them to be wrapped separately.. the default is to wrap to-go orders together, which can cause sauces to mix. :( On a side note: I don't understand some of the criticism in the reviews here.. it's a fast casual gourmet taqueria. I don't see any indication that the goal is to serve authentic Mexican tacos, but rather the chef's gourmet (and delicious!) take on them. Both the website (" standup takeout counter") and the Yelp page make it pretty clear what the interior is like, and many of the area's best fast casual restaurants have limited or no seating. If you think the prices are out of line for the quality of food, I'd guess you're probably new to the area. I really hate to see a quality new restaurant dinged because of mismanaged expectations.
(5)Pierre B.
...the place was tough to find, but worth the search. I only tried the namesake, Bamba and the Pearl, but both were delicious as expected. I will def return to try the more exotic menu items.
(4)Kay H.
So awesome they've ruined tacos for me forever! Nothing in the area compares. A little pricey though.
(4)P. A.
Great food and fun atmosphere. No tables; you sit in bar stools. Great option for take out. My favorites were the carnitas and the carne asada tacos. Guac was overpriced, but really good.
(5)Thomas J.
Stopped in here for lunch, this past week. It's a bit short on seating for a lunchtime rush and I ended up having to grab counter space right next to an overripe trashcan. I'd probably have given 3-stars, otherwise. The food was competent. If you're trying to decide whether to get the chorizo taco or something else, I'd go with the carne asada or the spicy shrimp. Both are quite good while the chorizo is fairly indifferent. I'm not super much a fan of the style of tortilla they use, but I know there are plenty who love that style. Just not for me. While I wouldn't rule out returning to this place, it definitely wouldn't be my first choice of all the plentiful options to be found in/around Tysons Corner. If I did return, I'd want to go outside the peak lunch hour to avoid the whole lack of seating thing (especially the "too close to the trashcan" problem).
(2)Hangry F.
Tried this after hearing about it from The Washington Post. Ordered the tacos of course. They cost $3 or $4 or 3 for $8. Got the shrimp diabla, carne asada and carnitas. The tortillas were doubled up. All were good and tasty. The asada may have been slightly overcooked but I wasn't complaining. They offer 3 sauces-two red and one green. Now for the drawbacks: Biggest is the place is very small, seating is very limited, not conducive to bringing young kids. Feels very cramped when it's busy and I felt like people were hovering around making me eat faster than I otherwise would. I wish they would also offer at least free chips (if not salsa as well) and limes/lemons. I would definitely go back and try some of the other taco varieties and menu options, but would go during an off time and without the kid.
(4)Vidisha V.
Good things come in small packages is the perfect saying for this place! Tiny little corned restaurant with some of the best tacos I have ever eaten ! They have a good variety of tacos ( little pricey may be )! Chicken , pork , shrimp and fish tacos are delicious! They try to be quick with making the tacos but wait could be upto 10-15 mins depending on your number . But yesss this is a go to place for taco lovers !!
(4)Paola C.
The tacos at Taco Bamba are hands down the best I've eaten. I started working just down the street several months back and found out about this place through yelp. So glad I did! I introduced it to many people at my office to Taco Bamba and they also rave about it. My personal favorites are the Black Pearl, Taco Bamba and torta choriqueso. You cant go wrong with any of the options on the menu though. The service is fast and very accommodating to large group phone orders!
(5)J H.
In the few weeks since I discovered this place I've probably made it through half the menu and have yet to come across anything that wasn't delicious. Breakfast is amazing and very different than the usual american cuisine offered most other places. I couldn't stop eating the Chilaquiles. For lunch, the possibilities are many and all have been a win so far. I was a little nervous to try some of the more "exotic" selections but everything is prepared and presented so well I haven't had any regrets. The only trouble you may have is finding this place. It's tucked into the corner a little shopping center which is hidden behind a larger shopping center. Worth driving around a bit until you find it.
(5)Chris S.
I really enjoyed Taco Bamba!! They had loads of different tacos and they used corn tortillas giving it an authentic feel most places don't have. I ended up getting 9 different tacos to try and share, and while I didn't like them all, I give them an A+ for having the gusto to create different choices! They don't just have tacos, either. There's tortas, soups, and breakfast all day! Prices were OK, not super expensive, but I didn't feel like I was getting a deal either. It is in Tyson's and I usually equate that to spending a little more. My only slight gripe was there was no seating. I appreciate the "hole in the wall" feel, but I can't help but wonder if they lose some business from not offering tables to enjoy their tasty taco creations. There are a few bar stools and a counter to eat at but it wasn't very comfortable to me. I drove from Alexandria to try them out and was a little disappointed they they were catered to carryout only. Other than that, I can't wait to go back and try the rest of their menu! Fantastic!
(5)becky t.
Went today for its soft opening with a group of friends and split a bunch of tacos. The chef was super friendly and gave us a couple other dishes to try, which were also deeelicious. We had: -Tacos: Carnitas, Enchilada, Spicy Shroom, Black pearl (fried tilapia), Tripa (intestines), Al Pastor -Spicy chicken wings w/ house ranch sauce -Rice pudding w/ caramel/dulce de leche (not sure which) -Green Tamale Salsas were awesome - my fave was the salsa verde, which was really fresh and creamy from guac (I think), as well as the fresh salsa. I kind of wish that it was set up like a salsa bar though, because I felt a little bad wasting all of the little containers. Everything was good, but my favorites were enchilada, black pearl, and spicy shroom. I'm not an organ person, but the chef told his tripa was his favorite - it definitely melted in my mouth. I think if I was used to eating organ meat, I would be all over that. Rice pudding was tasty too, but after such a rich, spicy meal, my fave dessert was going over to the latin market next door and getting a coconut popsicle. Yumm It was cool to see that the utensils were compostable, but would have been even more awesome if there was separate trash for compostables/recyclables. Would definitely go back! Kind of hidden in the back of a shopping plaza, but look for the bright red sign.
(5)Denise G.
I love this place! Esp there spicy shrimp. Fast service and so delicious. One of the best taco places in dmv
(5)James G.
Dear God this place blew me away. The Arabe taco was the best I had ever had in my life, hands down. I couldn't believe how great this place was. Incredibly juicy and tender carnitas. 5 stars no question!
(5)David L.
I love me some Taco. It is hard to find this place at first. I ordered the beef tongue, intestine, and the taco bamba. They are definitely different for sure. The intestine is very crunchy and tasty. The beef tongue is a unique experience for the adventurous. Overall, not bad at all. It is kinda hard to ask questions since they don't speak English fluently. But I think the 3 that I picked are the best ones to try out for the first timer.
(3)Wen L.
If you're missing the tastes and flavors of SoCal-esque taquerias, then be elated. Taco Bamba is here to make it all better! It is somewhat randomly (but not really; will point the reason out in a sec) located in a totally non-descript "strip mall" in Falls Church... clearly in an area where you'd least expect to find a super delicious place for tacos. (Salvardoean or Peruvian food in Falls Church? Sure! But a real-deal taqueria? Hmmm...) But the site of Taco Bamba's storefront is just steps away from owner Victor Albisu's mother's Plaza Latina supermarket. Plaza Latina is where Chef Victor kicked-off his love for cooking (although at the time, it was located in Alexandria), and the market has been a mainstay for the Latin American community of NoVA for years. Finding Taco Bamba is probably the most taxing part of the overall experience. But once you find it, you are in for a flavor-filled experience that will make you think of beach-side taco stands of sunny (and warm) SoCal. It is super casual; you order at the counter, and - if you're lucky - you can plant yourself at one of the limited number of tables, or seats along the walls of the place. The space is meant to get people in and out somewhat quickly, but allows you to savor the quality of the food that is prepared there. Taco Bamba serves breakfast, which I've yet to try. But the main menu consists of tacos (both traditional and non -dubbed as "Tacos Nuestros"), sopes, and a few "non-taco" items (think tamales, torta, flautas, and even the mayo-red chili-cotija cheese covered corn on the cob which you could buy off the streets of SoCal for like $1). And to sweeten the deal, there's even a traditional rice pudding dessert: arroz con leche. During my visit, I was compelled to try the Black Pearl, which is not a traditional taco. This mini-heap of yumminess is made up of fried tilapia topped with spicy coleslaw and black aioli. So-so good. I also had an order of flautas, for crunch factor. These were stuffed with chicken and topped with all sorts of delicious accompaniments (guac, salsa, etc.). There are all sorts of timeless items: tacos y sopes filled with anything from chorizo to carnitas to carne asada. There are delicacies as well: beef tongue (lengua) & beef small intestine (tripa) in particular. There's also a specialty taco made of blood sausage served with roasted corn, cotija, red chili and grilled scallions. This is the type of place that will make you never want to go to a Taco Bell or Del Taco again... and rightfully so. And for you non-believers, there's also a burger somewhere in that menu -if you dare. Taco Bamba. Get there. Now.
(5)Christopher S.
Sun 7/14/13 2:45PM It was pretty packed for a Sunday afternoon; however, it looked as if a lot of the owner's friends were there hanging out. I got 2 orders of the 3 for $8 tacos, which brings it out to around $2.67 per taco (which I want to say is justified by the ample portion of meat AND the free, unlimited condiment/topping cups). I must admit, though, that I've been spoiled by the taco trucks in Los Angeles that serve hand-carved al pastor from a vertical rotisserie station next to the food truck along with some of the most flavorful, perfectly-grilled carne asada at $1 per taco. Anyways, here is my take on each taco filling: 2 carne asada - "a bit rough and tough around the edges" 1 lengua - nice tender beef tongue wtih a good flavor profile 1 carnita - As Michael Symon says, "...I always try to preach that life is about moderation." I say, "salty." 1 chorizo - "Salty." 1 al pastor - a bit different from my LA experience, I don't know... Will I return for more? I will probably do 2-3 more visits, but then I must move on to my next taco expedition. P.S. I liked the orange sauce.
(3)TJ L.
Great authentic tacos, great interpretation of new style tacos and tamales are on point as well. The only problem is you find yoursefl standing to eat from time to time.
(5)Kimmy L.
We invited another couple to meet us here for dinner since we have heard great things about the chef, however, we wish we would have known that there are no tables to sit at :/ There is a bar-like set up with approx 6 stools but they were all taken, and it's not the best seating arrangement for a group of 4 needing to catch up...so we ended up getting our order to go and driving to our house to eat. I ordered the taco bamba and the gringo. I enjoyed both of them as well as the salsas that it came with. The green salsa and medium salsa were my favorite. The red salsa is VERY spicy so be careful. My boyfriend ordered the tongue taco and said he didn't really taste much tongue, only the chorizo so we aren't sure if maybe we were given the wrong taco? My friend ordered the shroom taco and LOVED it. I'm a big fan of soup and wanted to try it but decided against it for 2 reasons. 1. The soup cost $10. Maybe it's a huge portion? I am not sure... 2. The cashier (who was VERY VERY nice) was unable to explain to me in english what kind of soup it was. She tried her hardest to explain it to my half bolivian BF but he also couldn't understand it. Also, since the food is made to order, we waited for about 15 minutes for our food. Then again we went during prime dinner rush so maybe it's not that long during off times. It is a bit pricey. We all got specialty tacos which are $4 each. My BF ordered 3 tacos but said he probably could have eaten 4 of them and I ordered 2 tacos but I should have ordered 3. I think $28 is a little steep for the size of the tacos...considering it doesn't come with any side items. Our other friend ordered 6 tacos in order to be full...and he is very scrawny. We will definitely be back to try more items but I took off 1 star because it is a bit pricey, and another star for lack of seating.
(3)Jennifer S.
Good Mexican food is hard to come by in DC. Not sure why, but when a native Californian told me about Taco Bamba, I was there 20 hours later. He was right - it is the BEST tacos you can find in the DC area. I like the feel of the place (reminds me of Austin where I went to college), the people who work there are nice. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that it's in Falls Church and part of a run down strip mall. The food is legit and the only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars is because every time I've gone there, one of the tacos that I've wanted to order has been "sold out" Go! Fast! and open on in DC proper!!!!!
(4)Amy H.
This little hole in the wall place is my new favorite go to place for tacos!!! Must go!!!
(5)Lauren R.
I work right by here and it's my go to place when I have a taco craving. Everything is made from scratch, and I love that they have such unique flavor combinations and ingredients. I've had the pork belly taco, the goat taco, the chicken rings taco, and guacamole. All of them were cooked to perfection and delicious! Highly recommend, but beware the long lines at lunch and plan accordingly.
(4)Open E.
Awesome spicy mushroom taco.. They need more veggie options, which I discussed with the chef... Fortunately he indicated that at least one or two more vegetarian options are forthcoming on the menu. 2nd visit 11/10/14: discovered the mushrooms are cooked on same grill as meat (ick!). Chef Jose whipped up a couple pure vegetarian tacos are was really nice and friendly about it. I'll call ahead to ensure Chef Jose is on site and will be going back very soon. I really hope they add some more veggie options, and consider some meat substitutes, like soy, TVP, tempeh or the like.
(5)A A.
Closest to gourmet. Excellent quality, try the pulpo taco... The only thing is the seating and the price being a bit on the up side. I will pay more if it was in a nice area. The strip mall behind the whole foods is kind of run down. But I eat there anyways because Taco bamba is the best place around.
(4)Tammy G.
Pretty, pretty good tacos. I went in search of fish tacos. Their version was good,(battered tilapia,) but not what I had mind. I also tried the spicy shrimp which was decent and the spicy mushroom which was very good. My husband raved about his "TNT" Tongue & Tripe taco. We went around 6:30 on a Monday and had no trouble finding a seat at the counter. The available sauces were really good and service was fast and friendly. Will definitely return to try other menu items. I want to give 3.5 stars - more than 3 but not quite 4 on this trip.
(3)Vanessa V.
Ok we are a fan! I am just giving constructive criticism. We come here often but we only really stick to the tacos that we think are the best. Bamba-Ball and El Beso. Bamba ball is moist and has flavor. El Beso has some great flavor and love the seasoning. Black Pearl is also a good option for non-meat eaters. The basic tacos like pork, chicken and tongue don't do it for me. Those need some more work and better flavor profiles. Breakfast tacos? Why no basic bacon, eggs and cheese? We went one morning and I had to ask for it that way and the taco was pretty lack luster. Taco Joint in Dallas makes a mean breakfast taco. PLEASE MAKE KICK-BUTT BREAKFAST TACOS!!! Some of the menu boards are hard to read, especially how they are split up in different sections of the restaurant. I think it is a good place and we miss the crazy taco concoctions we get in Dallas so this is a welcome walking distance.
(4)Ariel G.
Taco Bamba is pretty good, but not great. I tried three tacos, barbacoa, carnitas and al pastor), and they were all flavorful, though I thought they were somewhat dry. $3 per taco but three for $8 is what it will cost you, which is fair. I would recommend coming for a quick lunch if you are nearby.
(4)Jodi K.
One of my friends and I always joke that "Taco Bamba" is our boyfriend. Yes, it's true ... I am dating Taco Bamba ... that's how good these damn tacos are! I named a pretend boyfriend after this place! Though Taco Bamba is not a fancy establishment, it is gourmet. The tacos are delicious and there are a number of varieties to choose from. My favorite is the Black Pearl. The fish is fresh and the spicy coleslaw adds just the right amount of flavor. You also can't beat the El Gringo and the traditional Chorizo taco is super tasty! I usually get 2-3 tacos along with some chips and guacamole and walk away feeling more than satisfied. Actually, I kind of make a pig of myself ... Someone should also tell Victor Albisu that he's giving away the farm because the tacos are so reasonably priced at $3-$4 each. It's a cheap, yummy, quick meal that will leave you wanting to come back again and again and again ... You get point. Go! Shove some tacos in your face - Now!
(5)Edward K.
This is basically a take out place with stands with barstools to eat in. It is in a non-descript strip mall that is behind the larger strip mall with the Whole Foods on Route 7. I would give this place a 5 (heck I'd give it a 10) for the food, but the lack of an easy place to eat there knocks it down and why I wouldn't eat here more often (I live too far, so carryout would be cold by the time I got home). The tacos are nuevo latino with some traditional ones as well. It is the best tasting tacos I have ever had in my life. The food rocks. The only thing is I would not order the sandwich where they put every kind of meat and an egg on. It is totally gross and you'll regret it if you order it.
(4)Reza S.
This place was incredible. Very authentic, very good. I just wish the prices were a little cheaper. Otherwise, guac and chips are very fresh. Best taco i've EVER had. This is a great place to visit in the summer, but I'm sure its great year-round too. The fish tacos and chicken tacos are TO DIE FOR. The restaurant is kind of hidden, but the food is extraordinarily good and service is friendly. Enjoy!
(5)Christina W.
Legit. Yum. Delicious! Authentic. I've only been to Taco Bamba twice, but the tacos and sauces I've tasted were all very flavorful and unique. My favorite are the soft shell tacos which was a special. They have a wide variety of tacos you can try. You can't go wrong with carne asada or the al pastor. This place is pretty small and has limited seating, definitely not a place you want to share a meal and catch up with a friend. Their music is great too. I did a little bit of salsa while waiting for my tacos. :)
(4)Adam D.
Great tacos, guac, and chips. Not much space to sit if you're there at a busy time. Apparently there is a store in the same strip mall that they also own and supplies the meat to Taco Bamba. Can't go wrong with the simpler tacos, and some of their own creations are fantastic. There's tongue and octopus for the more adventurous.
(4)Mel L.
totes hits the spot. black pearl and camaron are BOMB. av person should def get atleast 3. if ur into the spicy salsa theyve got all those bases covered too. basic tacos are 3, their specials are 4. the place is tucked away in the corner of a small shopping center but seek and u shall find. def worth super delish ~~
(4)Pip C.
"Meh. I've experienced better" sums it up! I finally ventured out to see what the hype was about and the hype was not real IMO. Here's why: 1. it's hard to find! it's actually behind the wholefoods shopping center like Annie. K mentioned. 2. Freezing! Came here on a very very cold Tuesday evening and upon walking in, temp was just as cold if not colder inside. They did have two personal heaters on but the freezing customers were blocking all of them. Not until they left did I notice it. 3. Freezing store = cold tacos and cold taste buds. Honestly i just wanted to get the eff out of there! 4. Sauces were weak! I thought it taste like water with food coloring. I couldn't tell the difference between the sauces. Green, red and pink all taste the same and had the same spice level. If i want tacos i'll stick to the taco trucks, dc or arlington. i guess it's okay if you live within a 2-3 mile radius and you want tacos but definitely not worth the hike if you're inside the beltway.
(2)Paola S.
I've been to this treasure more times than I can count on my fingers! It's simply the best taco spot in va! I always order the Pozole rojo which is a soup filled with pork bits, hominy, and small bits of onion, soooooooo good! I've also ordered the black pearl taco which might be the best fish taco I've ever had! I would also recommend ordering a sope instead if a taco if you are looking for a nice crunch. Anways, whatever you order from the menu will be super delicious.
(5)Chris L.
I love this place... the tortas are amazing. Tacos are great too but a bit too pricy for something so small. If you're willing to spend over $16 on some micro tacos this is the place to go. I'll definitely be back
(4)Rick S.
Esta muy bueno... The food was delicious, the concept was simple and the taste were out of this world. The hot habanero sauce had the perfect kick. We had tacos, we had flautas, chips and guacamole and a few other treats to finish off the meal. The salsas were all very tasty and uniquely different. Bland was not something you had to worry about here. The flautas come with beans on top, just an fyi.. The chorizo and the barbacoa tacos were my favorite bites!
(4)Jenny H.
This place was really good! I got their "black pearl" which is a batter, fried fish on top of cabbage and black aioli I think, nice mix of flavors. I also got their mushroom chipotle, which was pretty good. Their corn on the cob (grilled) had too much salty flavoring on it. Their carnitas and carne asada were pretty good too.
(4)Howie H.
I figured the hype was a result of just the sheer fact that tacos here in the DMV suck. I have had amazing tacos in Cali and in Queens and just nothing here compares. Still, figured it was worth a try since it was on our way home. This place was bumpin...not a lot of seating, only along the walls there are some bar stools. The tacos were really really good. Had the Lengua (Beef Tongue), the Black Pearl (Beer Battered Tilapia) and the Spicy Shroom (mushroom taco). All of the above were outstanding! The beauty of this place is that there are probably 20 other items to try. They offer three levels of homemade salsa/hot sauce - I preferred the hot. Ended up getting some frijoles to go and some pozole rojo (a mexican chicken soup). The soup is awesome especially in this freezing winter weather. This joint is legit.
(5)Dude N.
I love mexican food and this place is my favorite in the area and it's made to order! It is small and can be a long wait, but if you go during off peak times it's pretty quick. The parking area can get crowded. My favorite in the Goat, Mushroom, Tamales and the soft shell crab if they have it. WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!!
(5)Charles C.
Best tacos I have ever had. Been going through the menu and have had everything by now. Would recommend everything.
(5)Yihvan V.
New favorite taco place. Haven't had anything that I didn't like! Carnitas taco and chorizo taco are my favorites. Great service, low key place to eat.
(5)Jen T.
I was first introduced to Taco Bamba at the Capital Food Fight last year and have been waiting for them to open up ever since. I LOVE this place. It's tucked away in a small shopping center off Rt 7, but is an oasis of well-made, interesting tacos and other street food. Order the taco Bamba. Seriously, go ahead and try something else, but don't leave without eating the taco Bamba. Not much seating - just a few high bar seats, which is the only reason I can't give 5 stars.
(4)Bibi C.
The line is always long here, but no one seems to mind. Because the tacos are so delicous. We have tried most of their tacos on the menu, and was nevera disappointed. The service was quick. Seating area was a problem in the winter time when the place is packed, so we had to do carry out. Love their health concious choice of carry out boxes. They give you a layer of foil over the paper box, so the hot food will not toch the container directly. Unlike some restaurants who used cheap styrofoam containers, this place does not cut corners with their carry out containers, which gives me one more reason to LOVE this place.
(5)john c.
Born and raised SoCal, tacos are life blood.. Came across this spot by accident while here on biz and face lit up when I saw pazole.. It's modern spin on tacos so no straight up cilantro and onions. But damn good and for east coast, amazing.. Drop some chicharrones in the pozole and go to town.. Elote is damn good also.
(4)Shells W.
It is so nice to come to a restaurant where they have good vegetarian Mexican cuisine. The spicy shroom is amazing i almost ordered a 2nd but got full after also having the veggie tamale. The authentic Mexican music as well as the atmosphere makes you feel like you are really in a Latin community! Don't forget to try the horchata!
(5)Roberta G.
The best Mexican we have had for a long time. I came here with my husband on a whim. Their spicy shrimp taco bring on the list of dishes to try. It did not disappoint. Had my husband sweating to his delight. We went on Sunday just beating the crowds. Our daughter came with us too and liked the flautas and Black Prarl
(4)Aaron R.
OK, so you move to DC from Los Angeles, land of the taco... and you want tacos, so you go to Taco Bamba, excited for a nice glass of horchata and some fancy tacos and some standard taco goodness. But somehow you're just sorta left flat. Well I was. Sadness ensues. The tacos were ok. The lengua was not memorable, nor was the steak, chorizo, pickled onion taco I had. Dry might be the word for it... Then I made a mistake. The "Gringo" basically a fancy version of your old el paso style ground beef with taco seasoning and yellow cheese taco... And you know what? For that kinda thing it was good. But a good version of a terrible thing is still bad. So my mistake... The Horchata was decent but had so much cardamom that it had a citrusy flavor to it, which is weirdly off putting in a rich milky sweet drink. Suffuce to say, I may have to return to try that monstrosity of a torta, but the tacos? Eh.
(2)Lexus K.
I've tried tacos up and down the coast and I have to say this place has nailed it to perfection. In my family the best judge is my mother who is a mind blowing cook and now she wants me to pick up all the time. Seriously just like the picture the food comes out.. Simply amazing
(5)Luis G.
Wowza. This unassuming taqueria is fantastic and a instant cure for homesickness for this Texican. Taco Bamba gives deferential and tasty treatement to traditional tacos styles while also carving out a separate menu with a creative spin on tacos. The taco al pastor and the taco bamba are my favorites, especially with a side of the grilled guacamole and fresh totopos.
(5)Katherine C.
This place is a hidden gem and while I want to scream about how good these tacos are from the mountains, I also kind of want to keep this place to myself because it's so small inside. I found Taco Bamba while I was driving around and decided to check it out on Yelp (duh), then I convinced my boyfriend to go with me. The menu isn't huge BUT there's definitely something for everyone. I decided on carnitas, carne asada, and lengua, and they were each amazing. If you haven't had tongue before, please do (be brave, it's the best $3 you'll ever spend). The tongue here is very tender and smoky. Service is ok, don't expect anyone to roll out the red carpet but the food is very, very good. We came in at about 7 on a Friday and we were able to find seats but I bet it gets tough during the lunch hour. I look forward to coming back and trying the rest of the menu! I would recommend this place only to people I really, really like. Everyone else will have to find this place on their own ;)
(5)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: 2.5 stars for the tacos So excited about Taco Bamba's opening in fact I wanted to be the first one there. Didn't make the opening but I felt like I didn't miss much. This is what we ate: The Chicken Tinga taco which was nicely shredded chicken with good spicing. It was a little on the dry side but when you add the complimentary hot sauces it improves the dryness and taste. The tortillas were on the dry side too.... The Pork Carnitas again was a little dry and the flavor was good. The Grilled Guacamole with fresh fried Corn Tortilla Chips - the guacamole was tasty but the fresh fried chips must have been sitting in the brown bag for awhile since the chips were stale.
(2)Eddie C.
Best taco shop in Tyson's area!!! El Beso, Black Pearl, and Pulpo are all great! Wash it down with some Jarritos (Mexican soda) because they don't have beer and wine. Still excellent tacos!
(4)Flo A.
The tacos and sopes were so good, I almost cried. Never thought I would eat great Mexican food outside of California. Yes, it's in a shady strip mall but who cares.
(4)Sarah W.
Nobody makes tacos better than this place! I'll never never ever ever go to chipotle again. El beso (beef & pork tongue) was so amazing, but I've loved every taco I've ordered. Go here people!!!!
(5)David S.
Great taco joint in Falls Church with lots of variety and well prepared using top quality ingredients. Be prepared to pay for the quality since this ain't "The Bell" and it isn't cheap.
(4)Scott P.
You're not even flirting with an understanding of modern mexican cuisine until you've digested these god damn tacos. I'm going to admit, I'm super picky about my tacos. I spent 6 years in southern California, 2 of those being around the CA/Mexico border. It took me FOREVER to find a place like this in the NoVA/DC region. That particular mixture of tastes and textures is just so hard to replicate. I saw the hype and gave it a shot. I went with three different tacos: A carne asada taco, a Taco Bamba, and an El Beso. All three tasted super fresh and complimented their flavors in such a way that made me feel like I was tasting authentic tacos again. But how? The meat has been properly marinated and is juicy and not overcooked (like you find in other taco places around here). The guacamole is grilled for flavor and doesn't over power the palette. The pico is the perfect lime/cilantro/onion trichotomy, and they offer three different hot sauces to choose from that are so good I could shoot them back if I had enough alcohol. I'm not even scratching the surface here on the menu. They have two different layers of taco menus that offer a number of options. That's not even counting the "tacNO" side of the menu that offers everything else. They even have a breakfast menu that I need to try. The prices are decent as well, with a 3-tacos-for-8$ option off of the general one-meat menu column. Next time you're feeling mexican and you search your phone for the nearest Chipotle, sort your life out and try this instead.
(5)Carlos M.
AMAZINGGGGGG one of the best taco places I've eaten. The Taco Bamba taco greatness! The place could use a little more help on the grill, but the wait wasn't so bad especially after eating the tacos
(5)Jorge Z.
I had the tacos tradicionales special 3x$8 pretty good all of em, their salsas are awesome, all fresh. Note: I had a little inconvenience with a individual while I was finishing eating my tacos, nothing related to the restaurant, this guy started yelling about cops, the government and USA, cursing and ranting all this while looking at me, then he leaves. One the employees, I don't know his name, asked me if everything was ok? I responded yes. He asked me for my receipt, and said: I'll refund your money. I insisted that wasn't necessary because I was almost done with my tacos, then he said: I don't want you to have a bad experience at the store, even though wasn't related to the restaurant. I really appreciate his concern with the guest. I definitely come back, and recommend this place for some good tacos
(5)Joe M.
This place is the truth. Been about 10 times and never had any issues with staff/service, though it's not like you have servers. It's a taco bar, and it's damn good.
(5)Milind S.
This is a truly amazing taco place nestled in a corner of strip shopping center in the midst of Tyson's area.. I've been looking for some great taco place which is authentic yet creative.. They have a pretty exhaustive menu with great options.. It's a very casual joint with a few counter high seats to sit n eat .. Unlimited salsa of 4 kinds! There's something for everyone, even great vegetarian options! And well priced
(5)Wonjin C.
Went here on a whim because had heard decent things about it and we were in the mood to try something new! Amongst us we ordered: taco bamba, black pearl, el beso, TNT, and the camaron diabla. We were honestly disappointed with the tacos, especially for how expensive they were.If the tacos were $1 or even $2 it would be worth returning for but for $3-4 a taco there's just no way. None were really memorable except for the corn. The corn was the saving grace of this meal! It is grilled and lathered in a mayo/cheese mix..the first bite into it was heavenly. As you get the taste of the corn, you get a nice little medley of flavors in your mouth along with the delightful juices. Overall, average tacos + overpriced + small portions = 2 stars.
(2)Fat T.
Good tacos. Everything is fresh but nothing over the top. 5 star taco you make a ten mile detour to get to. 4 star is more like 3 miles.
(4)Gio D.
Great tacos just be prepared to stand as seating is very limited and parking can be tight. Overall the tacos are great and worth a trip but don't be mislead by the cheap eat tag as a meal for one will set you back $15.
(4)Giovanna P.
This is my second time here and I usually get so excited when my food is ready that I always forget to take a pics. Tonight My bf ordered the coriqueso torta & a taco bamba. I had the spicy mushroom & grilled steak. No complaints ever. Very flavorful food & I love that they also sell the classic glass coke bottles. Definitely a great little hidden gem!
(5)Jason D.
Obligatory "I'm from California, know a taco when I see one, blah blah blah" I had three: TNT (Tripas and Lengua), Spicy Shroom, and Birria. I did well in getting a lot of variety. Tortillas were great, fresh and perfect texture. House salsas all good. Spicy Shroom had great flavor complexity and balance. Seemed criminal to add any salsa, but the verde is so fresh and lively, a little bit put this one over the top. Was unexpectedly my favorite. Tripe and tongue perfectly cooked both, and that one needed the salsas but it's a waste to have them if the tacos are fully garnished on their own, isn't it? Birria... what can I say, I love goat. It was good enough. Too bad they don't have beer.
(5)Joel B.
Seriously good, freshly made and tons of different options. The Tortas are insane!! The carne asada is super fresh and tender. They also have grilled corn covered with cheese. The sauces are a must with the tacos. I can't wait to try one of their breakfast entrees!
(5)Juliette S.
A delicious hidden gem behind the whole foods lot, not much to look at with very limited seating, but man are their tacos good. My husband and I will make this a regular spot. Only other gripe is they only have one register, so if you walk in at the wrong time or in major lunch rush, you're going to be waiting a while.
(4)Genaro V.
Very good selection, and good music playing in the background. not to mention they sell Mexican coca cola.
(4)Jordan C.
So, let's start by saying I'm a bit of a Taco snob, I love Tacos..and living in DC has been a general disappointment when it comes to finding great Tacos. When I heard about Taco Bamba I had to give them a try, and boy am I happy I did. Before I dive into the Tacos, a few words about the location and physical space. The place is somewhat hidden, and not where you would expect to find someplace so popular, the space itself is small, with little eating space, and it was super hot inside so don't expect a five star dining experience. The service was great, and the girl who was taking the orders was incredibly friendly. Now to the important stuff...the food.. I sampled the Black Pearl, Taco Bamba, and the Carnitas....the flavor for each was outstanding, but if I could do it again I'd order 3 of the black pearl 2 Taco Bamba, and one of everything else on the menu...the fish was perfect and the sauce was amazing. The tortillas were fresh and added to the overall flavor profile of the Tacos...my only complaint is that they haven't opened a location down the street from my house...if you love Tacos, make a trip to Taco Bamba, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Radhika K.
Authentic tacos! Go for it
(4)Joe K.
What would you do for a taco? Would you sit in traffic on the 495 or Leesburg Pike for hours on end? Would you put up with the superficiality of Tysons Corner and McClean? Would you forgo any notion of what you thought was a "good taco"? If the answer was YES to any of those then you need to go to Taco Bamba. Like right now, get up and go. This is the place to get a great taco in the greater DC area. You want a carne asada taco? You got it? Chicken or Barbacoa? Done. Feeling adventurous? Tripe, lengua, wild mushrooms. Done. The formula here is simple: Walk in, look at the board, chose your destiny, eat, slip into Nirvana. So if you get that hankering for a taco, and you will, just forget all the other places; get in your car, face the grueling gauntlet of the beltway and just remember at the end of the hellacious journey is a magical ending in your mouth. *phrasing*
(5)Rachel G.
We love this place and make sure to take friends here for a quick lunch when they visit! Favorites: Spicy 'Shroom Torta Bamba--I think it has all of the meats. Share it with a friend because it's huge. Arroz con Leche for dessert. It seems like there's always a new thing or two on the menu worth trying as well. If you want something extra hot-- ask for the "special" hot sauce that they keep behind the counter.
(4)Michelle T.
I've finally found a place that gets me. Unique tasty foods, great price, wonderful selection, great staff, quick bite, a place to tell everyone about, near my office with parking and best of all it's just super cool.
(5)