Mark It! Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana opens Friday, January 13 (for real, for real)

3714 14th Street, NW at Quincy

From a press release:

“¡Hola, Mezcalero!

Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana, the highly anticipated second restaurant concept from Chef Alfredo Solis and his sister Jessica, will open Friday, January 13. Mezcalero opens on the heels of its sister restaurant, El Sol, being named the top favorite cheap eat of 2016 by Washington Post food critic and “$20 Diner,” Tim Carman.

courtesy Mezcalero

Mezcalero will feature some dishes from El Sol, but will also showcase more flavors Chef Solis came to love growing up in Mexico City. Included on its menu are 17 different street tacos, a selection of Guisados, or Mexican stews and Tacos de Canasta, or “basket of tacos,” the popular soft, steamed tacos sold on the streets of Mexico D.F. Additionally, as the restaurant’s name implies, Mezcalero will have an extensive mezcal menu with craft cocktails created by head bartender Arturo Zaloga.

courtesy Mezcalero

“My sister and I want to continue sharing the amazing cuisine we grew up eating and loving,” says Chef Solis. “Everything from the bread to the mole is house-made and authentic to our experience.”

Chef Solis’ professional culinary experience began when he immigrated to California and eventually to Washington where he and Jessica both started in the kitchens of acclaimed chef, Jeff Tunks of Passion Food Hospitality. Chef Solis started as a dishwasher and worked his way up over the course of ten years to be the executive chef of Fuego Cocina y Tequileria. After working with one of the best in the city, Chef Solis offers patrons of El Sol and Mezcalero food and dining from his own passionate perspective.

Guests will be greeted by Gallo, a colorful, six-foot tall rooster perched at the restaurant’s entrance. But Gallo is not the only Mexican icon with a presence at Mezcalero. A bold mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Juan Diego and Oaxacan butterflies embellish the wall while opposite hangs black and white photos of legendary performers Pedro Infante, Germán Valdes, Cantiflas and El Chavo del Ocho. An intimate neighborhood spot, Mezcalero has 63 seats with an additional 12 seats available when the front patio opens. There are two 70 inch televisions where patrons can watch sporting events and more.

Mezcalero opens Friday, January 13 at 3714 14th Street NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch, the restaurant will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11am-2am. The kitchen will stay open until midnight during the week and 1am on weekends. Reservations can be made by calling 202.803.2114 or 202.803.2115.”