Image: Trio of Tacos
Last Updated: November 2021
Current Status: Chaia is up and running at both locations with sit-down and to-go options. They have also opened a Bethesda location.
Overview: Chaia does veggie tacos insanely well. They are balanced in flavor, texture and sauce (not quick to get soggy). The tortillas are made in house and very good. They rotate the menu with the seasons, with a limited list of about five to choose from at any given time – but a mushroom is almost always to be found and quite delicious. They have expanded the menu to include quesadillas and enchiladas, soups when in season and nachos. We assume other options are also great, but we always get tacos. All dishes are vegetarian, many can be made vegan. Drinks include non-alcoholic like hibiscus iced tea and kombucha. They also offer a few drinks with alcohol (beer, wine, cider and margarita).
Like a few other standouts in the D.C. area, it started as a stand at a farmers market – invoking a bit of nostalgia for those who remember the line and the sight of owners Bettina Stern and Suzanne Simon trying to meet demand. Now it is firmly in the brick and mortar world, and much easier for you to find.
Summary:
Cuisine: Mexican/Central American
Locations:
Georgetown: 3207 Grace St NW, Washington DC
Chinatown: 615 I St NW, Washington, DC
Bethesda: 7237 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda MD
Website: https://www.chaiadc.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom’s a fan. Tim gives them an honorable mention on his taco list.
Washingtonian: Cheap Eats Selection 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (If post pandemic Washingtonian reconsiders the Cheap Eats category as a whole, Chaia would be a place that could do better freed from the category).
DonRockwell.com: He is also a fan.
Bon Appetit: Shout out!