Cheap Eats 2017: Taco Bamba

The Taco Bamba taco (with pink onion) and taco al pastor at Taco Bamba in Falls Church. Photograph by Scott Suchman

About Taco Bamba

cuisines
Mexican

You can tell that Victor Albisu—also chef at the fine-dining steakhouse Del Campo—is having fun with his two taquerias. Nine Inch Nails blares over the sound system, the guacamole is studded with bacon, and tacos have names like San Diahhhgo (an Anchorman reference with grilled swordfish and Burgundy slaw). The spirit is infectious—especially at the bigger Vienna location, which boasts a bar with creative tequila/mezcal cocktails. Fun aside, the cooking remains seriously great at both branches, whether you go for simple sopes or one of the chef’s delicious whims. Also good: Crab tostada; pork-and-beans taco.