Tortas y Tacos la Chiquita

Juan Carlos Saenz, Manager

Collage of Tortas y Tacos la Chiquita

Back in 2016, Tortas y Tacos la Chiquita started as a food truck in the Food Star parking lot along Columbia Pike, now Harris Teeter. Manager, Juan Carlos Saenz says that in three years the food truck was over capacity with a strong customer base. Consequently, the owner, David Villalobos, initiated the search for a permanent site. The restaurant is located along the bustling Columbia Pike, right next to the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. The taqueria operates 24 hours a day with their busiest time from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. This location seats 35 and is often at capacity. Due to the Columbia Pike location’s popularity, they opened another location nearby (Merrifield) Falls Church.

The restaurant serves authentic Mexican food including tortas and tacos. A torta is “the traditional Mexican sandwich” and there are several options on the menu. One that stands out is the torta cubana. It comes with sausage, egg, carne asada, sausage, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo, queso fresco and mozzarella — served on French bread. You’ll want to try traditional Mexican tacos such as lengua (cow tongue), cabeza (beef head), cuerito (pig skin) and a top seller — birria. Birria is a full-of-flavor beef stew that is first marinated and cooked down. The tacos are served with the leftover broth, meant for dipping. Another popular dish is the shrimp quesadillas. Cow tongue not your style? Don’t worry, they have beef, chicken, and pork (barbacoa) tacos as well.

Because of its location, Tortas y Tacos la Chiquita gets a variety of customers like military personnel from the nearby Pentagon, locals from the neighborhood to passersbys who are visiting along the Pike or coming to a show at the Cinema next door. Given its prime position, there are numerous public transit options with ART & Metrobus, scooter, bike and walking. Of the 18 employees, most take the bus due to the convenience and location. Plan your travel options and stop into this family-friendly taqueria, at any hour!

Tortas y Tacos la Chiquita
2911 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
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