El Bebe Tacos + Tequila Opens Tuesday in Navy Yard

99 M Street, SE

From a press release:

“Metropolitan Hospitality Group (MHG) – a locally owned and operated restaurant group focused on providing exceptional seasonal fare, craft cocktails and hospitality – announces the opening of Él Bebe, a vibrant taco and tequila bar and restaurant, at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26th. Located at Skanska’s 99M Street SE development, Él Bebe occupies the adjoining space to the recently opened CIRCA at Navy Yard.

Él Bebe, which translates to ‘he drinks,’ was conceived of as a passion project– exactly the type of place the team at Metropolitan Hospitality Group would want to unwind themselves after a long day. Menu items by Executive Chef Javier Loayza focus on bold creations inspired by Mexican flavors and include tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos in addition to main entrée platters and desserts. Signature items on the menu include:

Carnitas Taco – beer braised pork, pickled onion, chicharrón, salsa verde / 3.5
Bulgogi Taco – marinated short rib, gochujang mayo, Napa cabbage, peanuts / 4
Mini Empanadas – spiced beef, raisins, olives, black bean spread, sour cream, garlic chili aioli / 12
Mushroom Burrito – grilled portobello, chimichurri, white pasilla sauce / 12

The beverage selection at Él Bebe, overseen by Beverage Director Paul Williams, includes handcrafted tequila-infused Mexican cocktails, signature frozen margaritas, beer and wine. An exclusive signature beer by Atlas Brew Works is also available; pineapple and passionfruit combine in the light, dry-hopped Atlas Tropic Thunder IPA available only at MHG establishments in the national capital region. Signature cocktails include:

Muy Bien – hibiscus-infused Belle Isle grapefruit, sage, cinnamon, fresh lime / 12

Clasico – Sauza Blue Agave Reposado tequila, agave, fresh lime, Bebe rim / 9
Hasta La Vista – chipotle-infused Maximo mezcal, Mi Campo Reposado tequila, Cynar, agave, fresh lime / 12

Happy hour, which will be available throughout the entire restaurant, is offered Monday – Friday 4:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. and includes $2 chips and salsa, $4 Tecate and Corona cans, and $6 classic and frozen margaritas.

Metropolitan Hospitality Group worked closely with the design firm Gensler to create an authentic, yet unconventional taqueria experience for locals and visitors alike coming to Navy Yard. The design creates a warm speakeasy vibe with exposed natural and industrial materials like wood, brick and concrete. Bright and colorful artwork by Miami-based pop and multimedia artist Miguel Paredes adorn the 3,300 square foot space. “I like to paint and design what’s closest to my heart, whether it’s a loved one or a memory that brings a smile to my face, with the intentions of sharing a precious moment with the world,” Paredes said. Paredes’ graffiti-inspired work is also featured at CIRCA Chinatown and Navy Yard locations. A portion of all dessert sales will be donated to DC Central Kitchen in support of their mission to fight hunger in the nation’s capital.

Operating hours will begin with dinner service, starting at 4:00 p.m. with lunch rolling out in the coming weeks.”