Every city has its taco temples—those unassuming spots where the hungry, the discerning, and the people chasing authentic flavor gather to savor, snap photos, and pretend they discovered it first. In Arlington, this is practically a culinary sport. For better or worse (OK, better), this suburb is brimming with humble taquerias that attract a certain crowd who definitely care about the food and definitely don’t need a scene.
Tacos Locos CD Neza
$ | (703) 554-9345 | WEBSITE
It’s been a while since we’ve found a taco spot with a scene like Tacos Locos CD Neza. You won’t find any fancy tablecloths or valet parking here, instead this Arlington taco truck is surrounded by construction workers, office employees, and other folks who base their entire lunch breaks around getting better tacos than anywhere else.
Everybody’s ordering tacos al pastor and birria tacos, and you should follow their lead—and then head to one of the picnic tables because two minutes trying to eat standing next to the truck is two minutes too long. Nobody’s really getting fancy drinks either, but if you get thirsty, there’s some horchata and Jarritos sodas, which are Mexican soft drinks in glass bottles.
Taco Bamba Ballston
$ | (571) 777-1477 | WEBSITE
From the bustling storefront and the vibrant Mexican music to every server repeatedly reminding you that it’s ‘Ballston’s best,’ there’s a lot going on at Taco Bamba Ballston. If you’re looking to grab a quick, flavorful meal in Arlington, Taco Bamba Ballston is where to do it. The compact, mostly-indoor space is great for casual dining, there’s a $12 margarita on the menu, and as for the food, the American-inspired Mexican menu has plenty of bright spots.
The tacos are praised for their excellent flavor, the staff is attentive and fun, and the overall experience is clean and wonderful—even if you’re the only one who’s actually eating tonight.
El Rey
$$ | (571) 312-5530 | WEBSITE
El Rey is that vibrant taco spot you recognize from every Ballston office worker’s lunch rotation. It’s a place that has successfully made a name by serving exceptional al pastor tacos to its patrons, but also one with an objectively colorful atmosphere, fast QR code ordering, and food that tastes delicious even before you snap a photo for your stories.
Just be sure you don’t actually bring kids – a completely acceptable oversight given that no one here would be caught dead ordering from a children’s menu that doesn’t exist.
TAQUERIA LA CEIBITA
$ | (703) 598-3452 | WEBSITE
If you took the most generic strip-mall taqueria, filled it with the promise of authentic flavors, and served food that hasn’t been tasted since your cousin went on that road trip to Tijuana in 2005, you’d get Taqueria La Ceibita. This Arlington spot is arguably one of the most recommended taco joints in the area, and yet somehow, it’s a complete letdown.
No one’s raving, no one’s having any revelations—it’s just a handful of quiet tables dutifully working through their run-of-the-mill tacos and burritos hoping the salsa picante will finally deliver some excitement. The best thing here is the friendly woman behind the counter, who’s useless in a dining room that’d rather knowingly risk questionable cleanliness than miss out on her delicious birria.
Taco Bamba
$ | (571) 257-3030 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re just visiting Arlington and want to see some families enjoying a casual meal, or you’ve been here for years and also want to see families enjoying a casual meal, Taco Bamba is a must-visit. Located with convenient garage parking, Taco Bamba is a kid-friendly establishment where parents who haven’t had a proper breakfast since 2019 hang out and pretend to eat healthy. The breakfast service is a certifiable scene, so bring your best appetite and sharpen up that fork.
You’ve got some delicious tacos to try.
Banditos Tacos & Tequila
$$ | (571) 257-7622 | WEBSITE
Since landing on Arlington’s taco scene, Banditos has maintained an impressive air of fun, despite the fact that it’s pretty easy to get a table here. The crowd on any given night is a mix of families with kids, groups of friends sharing nachos, and lively folks at the bar with one too many strawberry margaritas in hand. All that aside, dinner here is pleasant.
The food—including what might be the best mushroom and cauliflower tacos in town—is solid, the waitstaff is genuine and attentive, and there’s unique art pieces adding character to the walls. The only problem is everyone’s here solely to relax and make sure they’re having more fun than the person next to them. After the dinner rush, the vibe stays consistently cheerful, so if you don’t consider yourself part of the kid-friendly and quick-service crowd, it’s probably time to grab the check.
Sofia’s Pupuseria
$ | (571) 483-0487 | WEBSITE
Much like the chain taco joints that litter every strip mall and the foodie who still insists on telling everyone about their ‘authentic’ discovery, Sofia’s Pupuseria is a place we wish Arlington had kept to itself. That’s not to say this ridiculously affordable Salvadorian spot is terrible, it’s just that this area already has plenty of Latin restaurants full of people who pay for atmosphere over substance.
The food isn’t a total disappointment, but if you came here with the intention of gourmet plating, the styrofoam plates and laid-back vibe should be your first indication that you got the wrong memo.
Taqueria Esmeralda
$ | (571) 581-4031 | WEBSITE
Taqueria Esmeralda is one of the most satisfying meals you can grab from an Arlington food truck—and considering there’s a Chipotle on every corner with its own assembly line, that’s saying something. It’s technically just a truck parked in a lot, but stepping up to the window feels like you’ve stumbled onto some hidden Mexico City street stall that’s been perfectly preserved in all its messy glory.
The air smells of grilled meat and fresh lime, steam billows from the griddle like a culinary fog machine, and everyone else will either be devouring their order on the curb or snapping a quick pic for Instagram. In the event you tire of the no-frills, eat-with-your-hands vibe, the good news is there’s incredible food at Taqueria Esmeralda.
Standouts include well-seasoned chicken tacos piled high with toppings, a sizable burrito packed with fresh ingredients, and some of the best smoky hot sauce we’ve ever tasted—all for about $10–$15 a person, which feels downright generous for Arlington.
Picamas Food Truck VA
$ | (703) 400-6301 | WEBSITE
We’re fine eating mediocre tacos from generic trucks—we expect it, actually—but Picamas Food Truck VA, the reliable “fresh, flavorful taco spot near a park” isn’t a generic truck. It’s a genuine neighborhood favorite with vibrant flavors and friendly staff. If you do attempt to eat, you’ll be delighted by the fact that you just spent $4 on a perfectly seasoned beef taco or $5 on a shrimp taco with a tortilla that held together beautifully from first bite to last.
If you want to come here for a quick, satisfying meal after work—or please a friend who craves bold, well-made tacos—Picamas Food Truck VA will deliver. Otherwise, there’s no reason to go anywhere else.
Tacos El Chilango
$ | (571) 236-0355 | WEBSITE
Tacos El Chilango has one of the most authentic food trucks in the area and tacos that we’d recommend to our best friends. If you’re into authentic Mexican street food/that sort of thing, this Arlington spot is your destination, where no matter what time of day it is, it’s somehow always taco time. And really, what’s more important than that? It’s certainly not the cash-only policy that reminds you this is the real deal.