El Taco

Sometimes food is not the only reason for going out.  Sometimes you want to go somewhere with a festive decor and slightly loud music so that your kids seem less annoying.  In a sea of Tex-Mex eateries, El Taco in Virginia Highlands is worth a visit for it's combination of decent food and fun vibes.  Early in the evening the place is packed with young families.  Later on, margarita imbibing adults can be found mingling and watching sports on several of the TV screens around the restaurant.  There is also a drawing held once an hour to win free prizes which seems to make most people excited because everyone wants to win something, even if it's a cheese dip or cheesy t-shirt.

The menu at El Taco contains standard fajitas, tacos and chips, which are not complimentary.  I tend to favor the Oaxacan inspired dishes for something different.  If you want an appetizer, skip the boring chips.  I had the tamale special which had peppers and squash embedded in the masa.  The tamales were a bit bland but the accompanying tomatillo sauce was delicious.   For my entree I got the Mexican "Pizza" which is a grilled, corn flatbread with refried black beans, corn, lettuce, avocado, radish, two Mexican cheeses, hot peppers, crema and sunflower sprouts.  If it sounds like a huge mess, it is - but it's a tasty mess.  It is really a filling salad with black beans served on a giant corn chip.   The ingredients taste fresh, especially the sunflower sprouts, and the corn base is very light.  The pizza ($10.75) is large enough to be shared if you order an appetizer as well.  El Taco also has a free salsa bar which contains several salsas and pickled vegetables.  These condiments can further add some heat and flair to your meals.  The spicy pickled vegetables are my favorite.  I didn't have dessert at El Taco since I was quite full and thought I'd quit while I was ahead.